Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish1 in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies2 when it comes to evil, but be mature3 in understanding matters of this kind.
1 Corinthians 14:20
Don’t be like children1 – Be innocent as babies2 – Be like the mature3.
There are some characteristics of children that are positive and appealing. There are other aspects that are negative and not appealing at all. Paul very cleverly and skilfully plays on words and the relationship between them on a continuum of understanding. Understanding of these things – Innocent of Evil – Understanding matters of this kind
Firstly we need to understand the words used:
- παιδια signifies children in general, but particularly those who are growing up and are ready to be sent to school in order to receive instruction.
- νηπιος signifies an infant, one that cannot speak and is in the lowest stage of infancy. [νη denotes “not” ειπω denotes “I speak”] – one who can’t speak yet – but ironically “speaks in tongues”.
- τελειοι signifies those who have arrived at maturity in growth and understanding.
Brothers and sisters don’t be like little children who just ready to go to school to learn the first elements of language; in terms of evil be like a baby who can’t speak a word and who is totally innocent regarding the ways of evil; rather be like the child who has matured in body and understanding of things like this. What is the “understanding of these things” and the “understanding matters of this kind”? Language! Speaking, using your tongue to produce language or using your tongue gift in a mature way. Paul is referring to the gift of speaking with tongues. That which the Corinthians were so desirous of; but when they had it, it was only to babble like children. They preferred it to the other more useful and beneficial gifts. In so doing they showed their judgment to be on the level of children.
Be innocent in matters of evil likely refers to being meek and humble, free from pride and vain glory; not envying and malice, but tender hearted, and ready to forgive. Paul is saying be ready to show you have become mature. Paul is reproving those in Corinth who were being childish and didn’t see how this gift of tongues which was given to the profit of the body. Instead they have tried to turn it to their own selfish good. Paul wants them to get the connection between the stages of childhood and determine which stage they are at. He wants them to get the message too that this relates to speaking, using their tongues, speaking in tongues.
Don’t be like children in their childishness over petty squabbles and desires but be children in terms of the evil you are practising. You are hurting the body. Be like children who have grown up and become mature. They get it now. Do you? Don’t desire to babble like children just learning to speak, desire to understand at a deeper level.
Remember that Triumph is just a little “umph” added to “try.”
Anon
Today I’m gonna make yesterday jealous.
Anon
We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.
Anon