1 Corinthians 14:20

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Brothers, do not be children in the way you think, but be babies in wrongdoing; yet be mature in your thinking.

Cross References

1 Peter 2:2

[So], like newly born babies, you should desire the genuine, spiritual milk [i.e., God’s word. See Heb. 5:12-13], so that by it you may grow toward [final] salvation,

Romans 16:19

For everyone has heard about your obedience [to the truth], and [because of this], I am very happy over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

1 Corinthians 13:11

When I was a child I spoke, thought and reasoned like a child. But now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things. [Note: Paul uses an analogy to illustrate that the church made use of the supernatural gifts in its infancy, but that these would no longer be needed when it matured].

Matthew 18:3

and said, “Truly I tell you, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven unless you turn [your life around] and become like little children [i.e., having child-like humility].

1 Corinthians 2:6

However, we speak [divine] wisdom among people who are [spiritually] mature, yet it is not the wisdom of this current age, nor of [its] current rulers, who are coming to nothing.

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in the unearned favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May He be honored both now and forever. May it be so.

Philippians 1:9

And I pray that your love may grow stronger and stronger, [along] with how much you know, and [that you may grow] in your ability to comprehend things.

Mark 10:15

Truly I tell you, whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God as a little child does, that person will by no means enter it.”

Philippians 3:15

So, all of us who are mature [Christians] should think this way. And if you people think differently about anything, God will reveal that to you also.

Matthew 11:25

About that time Jesus said [in prayer], “I thank you, O, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things [i.e., the significance of Jesus’ words and works] from those who [thought they] were wise and intelligent and have [instead] revealed them to people who are child-like.

Matthew 19:4

And He answered them, “Have you not read [Gen. 1:27; 5:2] that when God created [mankind as] male and female,

Matthew 19:14

But Jesus said, “Allow these little children to come to me and stop trying to prevent them. For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such [humble ones] as these.” [See 18:4].

Luke 18:17

Truly I tell you, whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God the way a little child does, that person will by no means enter it.”

Romans 1:13

And I want you to be aware, brothers, of how frequently I [had] planned to visit you (but was prevented from doing so until now). I wanted to come in order to bear some fruit [i.e., make additional converts] among you, just as I have done among the other Gentiles [i.e., unconverted people].

1 Corinthians 14:19

However, in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, so that I can instruct other people also, than to speak ten thousand words in a language [that people do not understand].

Ephesians 4:13

[This is to be done] until we all [eventually] arrive at unity of the faith and full knowledge of the Son of God; at complete [spiritual] maturity; at the [full] height of Christ’s [spiritual] stature.