1 Corinthians 14:20
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19 Yet 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.
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
21 In 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.
22 Wherefore 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.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.
- KJV
- Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
- WEB
- Brothers, don’t be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature.
- ASV
- Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men.
- DARBY
- Brethren, be not children in [your] minds, but in malice be babes; but in [your] minds be grown [men].
- BLB
- Brothers, do not be children in the minds. But in evil be little children; and in thinking be mature.
- ÅB
- Brødre! vær ikke barn i forstand, men vær barn i ondskap; i forstand derimot skal dere være fullvoksne!
- OTB
- Brødre og søstre, vær ikke barn i deres tenkning; når det gjelder ondskap, vær spedbarn, men i deres tenkning, vær modne.
- B1930
- Brødre! vær ikke barn i forstand, men vær barn i ondskap; i forstand derimot skal I være fullvoksne!
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
1 Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Read in context1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
Read in contextRomans 16:19
For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
Read in contextMatthew 18:3
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Read in context2 Peter 3:18
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Read in context1 Corinthians 2:6
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
Read in contextEphesians 4:14–15
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Read in contextPhilippians 1:9
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
Read in context