1 Corinthians 14:20 meaning

In addressing the believers in Corinth, Paul emphasizes the importance of maturity in spiritual understanding. He contrasts the excitement surrounding the practice of speaking in tongues with the need for edification through intelligible speech. His admonition urges the congregation not to be like children, easily swayed by flashy practices or manifestations, but to seek deeper, more meaningful engagement in their worship experiences. This immature fascination with tongues, he argues, overlooks the fundamental goal of their gatherings: building up one another in faith.

In 1 Corinthians 14:20, Paul reminds them that wisdom and spiritual maturity require discernment—valuing what truly benefits the community over individual experiences of spirituality. He implicitly critiques a tendency among the Corinthians to prefer the sensational over the substantive, as true spiritual growth comes from knowledge and understanding rather than mere emotion. Paul’s call to maturity serves as a foundational principle for Christian conduct, aligning with the need for believers to act thoughtfully and purposefully in their expressions of faith.