1 Corinthians 14:20 · KJV
“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. {men: Gr. perfect, or, of a ripe age}”
— 1 Corinthians 14:20
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.
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.
1 Corinthians 14 — Context
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19Yet 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.
20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. {men: Gr. perfect, or, of a ripe age}
21In 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.
22Wherefore 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.
Cross References
1 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. {thought: or, reasoned} {put away: Gr. vanish away}
1 Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Romans 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. {simple: or, harmless}
Matthew 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.
1 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:
Ephesians 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;
2 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.
Philippians 1:9
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and {in} all judgment; {judgment: or, sense}