New Testament
1 Corinthians 14:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Paul is urging the members of the church to grow up in their understanding.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 55
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Corinth
Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children about this. When it comes to evil, be as innocent as babies — but in your thinking, be mature adults.
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul is urging the members of the church to grow up in their understanding. He acknowledges that while it’s good to be innocent and pure when it comes to evil, they should not remain childish in their thoughts and reasoning. Maturity in thinking is essential for navigating life’s complexities. Paul contrasts the innocence of babies with the need for adults to think critically and wisely. This call for maturity is about being able to discern right from wrong and to engage with the world thoughtfully. It’s a reminder that spiritual growth involves developing a deeper understanding of faith and life. By encouraging them to think like adults, Paul emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in their actions and beliefs. This maturity helps them to respond to challenges with insight rather than naivety, fostering a community that reflects both innocence in wrongdoing and wisdom in understanding. Ultimately, it’s about balancing purity with the responsibility of thoughtful engagement in the world.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Corinthians 14:20 to your life
To apply this verse, reflect on areas in your life where you might be thinking too simplistically. Challenge yourself to grow in understanding by seeking knowledge and wisdom. Engage with complex issues thoughtfully, and strive to balance innocence with mature reasoning in your decisions and interactions with others. This growth will enrich your life and relationships significantly.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Corinthians Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Corinthians 14:20 mean?
1 Corinthians 14:20 encourages believers to mature in their understanding while remaining innocent regarding evil. Paul contrasts the need for adults to think critically with the purity of children, emphasizing that spiritual growth involves developing wisdom and discernment.
What is the meaning of maturity in 1 Corinthians 14:20?
In 1 Corinthians 14:20, maturity refers to the ability to think critically and wisely about complex issues. Paul urges the church to grow in their understanding and not to remain childish in their reasoning, highlighting the importance of discernment in faith.
How can I apply 1 Corinthians 14:20 in my life?
To apply 1 Corinthians 14:20, reflect on areas where you may be oversimplifying complex issues. Seek knowledge and wisdom to engage thoughtfully with challenges, balancing innocence with mature reasoning in your decisions and interactions.
What does Paul mean by being innocent as babies in 1 Corinthians 14:20?
In 1 Corinthians 14:20, Paul means that believers should maintain purity and innocence regarding evil, similar to how babies are unaware of malice. This innocence is contrasted with the need for mature understanding in other areas of life.
The Book of 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians 1: Greeting, Thanksgiving, and Divisions
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, address the church of God at Corinth. He speaks to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints, along with all who call on the name of Jesus Christ. He thanks God for the grace given to them and says they are enriched in speech and knowledge, lacking no spiritual gift as they wait for the coming of the Lord.
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