Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Corinthians 14:20
What does 1 Corinthians 14:20 mean?
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1 Corinthians 14:20
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Paul isn't saying we should be childish in our understanding of spiritual gifts, but rather that we should reject immature, self-focused ways of thinking that mimic childish behavior. Instead, we're called to be innocent like infants when it comes to wickedness, while actively cultivating a sharp, discerning mind in matters of faith and community life.
Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the chaotic and often immature way the Corinthian church is using spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues. He's guiding them to prioritize building up the church over individual ecstatic experiences, urging them to move beyond a childish fascination with the spectacular to a more mature understanding of love and order in their worship. This verse calls them to embrace spiritual discernment and wisdom rather than being easily swayed by superficial displays.
Ever felt like someone was being a bit too immature in how they approached things? Paul uses a strong image here, calling believers not to act like children when it comes to their spiritual understanding.
The Pitfalls of Immaturity
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's struggles, particularly with spiritual gifts and their proper use. He's not saying to stop learning, but to move beyond a simplistic, easily swayed, or self-centered way of thinking.
Paul gives us a fascinating paradox: be like babies in one area, but radically different in another. What does this surprising command mean for us today?
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Two Sides of Spiritual Growth
Paul presents a two-pronged approach to spiritual development:
1. Innocence Regarding Evil:
2. Maturity in Thinking:
Understand the original words
paidion · Greek Noun
A metaphorical reference to those who lack discernment, maturity, or stable doctrine, often prone to instability or spiritual gullibility.
kakia · Greek Noun
Refers to malice, depravity, or active wickedness; biblically, Christians are called to be innocent of evil intentions or harmful actions.
teleios · Greek Adjective
Refers to completeness, moral stability, and mental/spiritual soundness; one who has moved past the elementary stages of faith to a state of godly wisdom and discernment.
This passage, right before our verse, uses the metaphor of childhood versus adulthood to describe spiritual maturity, directly paralleling Paul's encouragement to move beyond childish understanding.
Ephesians 4:14Paul warns against being tossed around by false teachings, comparing people to children who are easily deceived, reinforcing the need for mature thinking as described in 1 Corinthians 14:20.
Hebrews 5:13-14This passage contrasts those who are untrained in the word with those who are mature, likening them to infants needing milk instead of solid food, which echoes the call for maturity in thinking.
Romans 12:2This verse urges believers not to conform to the world but to be transformed by the renewal of their minds, a process that naturally leads to the 'mature thinking' Paul advocates for.
Paul isn't saying we should be childish in our understanding of spiritual gifts, but rather that we should reject immature, self-focused ways of thinking that mimic childish behavior. Instead, we're called to be innocent like infants when it comes to wickedness, while actively cultivating a sharp, discerning mind in matters of faith and community life.
Paul is addressing the chaotic and often immature way the Corinthian church is using spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues. He's guiding them to prioritize building up the church over individual ecstatic experiences, urging them to move beyond a childish fascination with the spectacular to a more mature understanding of love and order in their worship. This verse calls them to embrace spiritual discernment and wisdom rather than being easily swayed by superficial displays.
Paul is addressing the chaotic and often immature way the Corinthian church is using spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues. He's guiding them to prioritize building up the church over individual ecstatic experiences, urging them to move beyond a childish fascination with the spectacular to a more mature understanding of love and order in their worship. This verse calls them to embrace spiritual discernment and wisdom rather than being easily swayed by superficial displays.
"Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature." — Paul isn't saying we should be childish in our understanding of spiritual gifts, but rather that we should reject immature, self-focused ways of thinking that mimic childish behavior. Instead, we'r…
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Last reviewed October 2026