IN UNDERSTANDING BE MATURE

“Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.” (1 Cor. 14:20)

God wants His children to excel in His knowledge. We must remember that He is the Great Giver of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom (Prov. 2:6). When we go to the well of God’s Word we will never come up empty. With all your getting, make sure you get an understanding (Prov. 4:7).

In fact, we should be maturing in understanding. There is a time for the milk as it nurtures growth (1 Pet. 2:2; cf. Ecc. 3:1). However, we should be ready and able to teach at some point. We should be off the bottle and onto solid food as we mature. The Hebrews were rebuked for staying children spiritually and encouraged to go on to perfection i.e., spiritual maturity (Heb. 5:11-6:3).

One thing we should be children (babes) in is malice (wickedness; evil; ill will). Let us leave that alone and occupy our time growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18)!

Trent Thrasher