1 Corinthians 14:20 Meaning
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
Context Explained
18I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
21In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
1 Corinthians 13:11
Contrasts childish behavior with mature understanding, similar to the call for maturity here.
Hebrews 5:14
Discusses the importance of maturity in discernment, echoing the theme of understanding.
Philippians 1:9
Prays for love to abound in knowledge and discernment, aligning with the call for understanding.
Source: 1 Corinthians 14:20