1 Corinthians 14:20 – “Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is urging the Corinthian believers to mature in their understanding of spiritual matters. He acknowledges that they have been thinking like children, particularly in how they view and use spiritual gifts, especially speaking in tongues.

Paul draws a contrast:

• When it comes to evil, believers should be like infants—innocent and inexperienced.
• When it comes to thinking, believers should be mature—wise, thoughtful, and responsible.

The Corinthians were fascinated by the gift of tongues, treating it as a sign of spiritual superiority. Paul rebukes them for this childish mindset and encourages them to grow in understanding—realizing that spiritual maturity is not about chasing dramatic experiences but about loving and serving others in a way that builds them up.

Historical Context

The Corinthian church was spiritually immature. Throughout the letter, Paul corrects them for being divisive, prideful, and self-centered (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

• In 1 Corinthians 3:1-2, Paul tells them they are still acting like spiritual infants, needing milk instead of solid food.
• Their obsession with tongues was another sign of immaturity—they valued showy gifts over ones that actually built up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12).

Paul was urging them to grow up in their thinking. While tongues were a real gift from God, they were not the most important thing. True maturity comes from seeking gifts that benefit others, like prophecy and teaching (1 Corinthians 14:1, 14:19).

Theological Implications

This verse teaches some key truths about spiritual growth and maturity:

1. Christian maturity requires wisdom and understanding. Faith is not just about emotions or experiences—it involves thinking clearly about what truly honors God.
2. Believers should be innocent toward evil. While we should be mature in our thinking, we should remain pure and uncorrupted by sin.
3. Spiritual gifts should be used with wisdom. Seeking showy experiences without understanding their purpose and impact is immature. True faith seeks what builds up the church and honors God.

This verse challenges believers to evaluate whether they are growing in wisdom and discernment or still thinking childishly about faith.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses contrast to make his point:

• “Stop thinking like children” – A call to grow in spiritual understanding.
• “In regard to evil be infants” – A reminder to stay pure and innocent when it comes to sin.
• “In your thinking be adults” – A command to develop wisdom and maturity.

This structure emphasizes the balance Paul wants believers to have—wise in faith, yet innocent in sin.

Paul’s use of family language (“brothers and sisters”) makes his correction gentle but firm. He is not attacking them but lovingly calling them to grow up in their faith.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 – Paul rebukes the Corinthians for still being spiritual infants.
• Hebrews 5:12-14 – Mature believers should move beyond milk and into solid spiritual food.
• Matthew 10:16 – Be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”
• Ephesians 4:13-14 – Christian maturity means not being tossed around by false teachings.
• Romans 16:19 – “Be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For believers today, this verse is a call to grow in spiritual maturity.

1. Think deeply about faith. Don’t just follow emotions or trends—seek understanding and wisdom through Scripture.
2. Avoid a shallow, childish faith. Are you chasing spiritual experiences without thinking about how they fit into God’s bigger plan?
3. Stay innocent toward sin. While we grow in wisdom, we should not become comfortable with sin. Stay pure in heart but wise in mind.

Spiritual growth is not about gaining more experiences—it is about growing in wisdom, love, and discernment.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He guides His children toward maturity. Just like a loving parent wants their child to grow into wisdom, God desires that His people grow in understanding.

• God does not want us to remain immature. He calls us to learn, think, and grow in faith.
• God desires purity. He wants His people to be innocent toward sin while being wise about His truth.
• God gives wisdom to those who seek it. He does not leave His children in spiritual immaturity—He provides His Word, His Spirit, and His Church to help them grow (James 1:5).

This verse is a reminder that God’s love is not just about saving us—it is about growing us into mature, wise followers of Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the perfect example of maturity in faith and innocence toward evil:

• Jesus was wise and full of understanding. Even as a child, He amazed the religious teachers with His wisdom (Luke 2:46-47).
• Jesus was pure and without sin. He was in the world but never corrupted by it (Hebrews 4:15).
• Jesus taught His disciples to think and grow. He did not just perform miracles—He explained truth in ways that challenged people to grow in faith (Matthew 13:11-12).

Paul’s command in 1 Corinthians 14:20 is a call to follow Jesus’ example—growing in wisdom, while remaining pure in heart.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. In what areas of your faith do you need to grow in understanding and maturity?
2. Are you focused more on spiritual experiences or deepening your wisdom in God’s Word?
3. How can you remain innocent toward sin while still growing in discernment?
4. What are some childish attitudes or beliefs that you may need to let go of as you mature in faith?
5. How does Jesus’ example challenge you to think wisely and live purely?