1 Corinthians 14:20 - Exposition

Be not children in understanding; rather, in your minds. Your tendency to overvalue glossolaly shows you to be somewhat childish. It is remarkable that this is the only verse of the New Testament in which the common Greek word "mind" ( phren ) occurs. Howbeit in malice be ye children; better, but in wickedness be babes. The Authorized Version misses the climax involved in the change of the word. The Christian should always be childlike ( Matthew 11:25 ; Matthew 19:4 ), but never childish ( 1 Corinthians 13:11 ; Ephesians 4:14 ). Be men; rather, become or prove yourselves full-grown; literally, perfect.