1 Corinthians 14:18-21 (WEL) 18 I thank my God [that] I speak with unknown languages more than all of you. 19 Yet in the congregation, I would rather speak five words with my understanding, so I can teach others, too, than ten thousand words in an unknown language. 20 Brothers, don’t be childish in understanding. Concerning evil be children; concerning understanding be adults. 21 It is written in the law, “With [people] of other languages and lips of strangers will I speak to this people, and yet for all that they will not listen to me,’ says the Lord.” [Isaiah 28:11-12]. 22 So then, unknown languages are a sign to those who don’t believe, not to those who believe, but prophesying is for those who believe, not for those who don’t believe.
V18 I thank my God [that] I speak with unknown languages more than all of you.
Paul had the gift of tongues/languages.
V19 Yet in the congregation, I would rather speak five words with my understanding, so I can teach others, too, than ten thousand words in an unknown language.
Nevertheless, it is to be minimized if no one can understand. Paul would rather say 5 words that people can understand and learn. The principle is to glorify God, strengthen the believers, and teach them.
V20 Brothers, don’t be childish in understanding. Concerning evil be children; concerning understanding be adults.
It would be childish to promote tongues without any benefit to others. It would be only a show. Paul wants the believers to see that their seeking the least gift is hurting others. It is childish to do so.
Matthew Henry adds: “He adds a plain intimation that the fondness then discovered for this gift was but too plain an indication of the immaturity of their judgment: Brethren, be not children in understanding; in malice be you children, but in understanding be men, 1 Corinthians 14:20. Children are apt to be struck with novelty and strange appearances. They are taken with an outward show, without enquiring into the true nature and worth of things. Do not you act like them, and prefer noise and show to worth and substance; show a greater ripeness of judgment, and act a more manly part; be like children in nothing but an innocent and inoffensive disposition. A double rebuke is couched in this passage, both of their pride upon account of their gifts, and their arrogance and haughtiness towards each other, and the contests and quarrels proceeding from them. Note, Christians should be harmless and inoffensive as children, void of all guile and malice; but should have wisdom and knowledge that are ripe and mature. They should not be unskilful in the word of righteousness (Hebrews 5:13), though they should be unskilful in all the arts of mischief.”
V21 It is written in the law, “I will speak to this people with other languages and the lips of strangers, and still they will not listen to me,” says the Lord. [Isaiah 28:11-12].
In Isaiah the passage refers to this idea: “Since you will not understand simple, clear language, I will speak to those who speak a different language. This is a sign to you. Do I have your attention yet?” This was beginning to be fulfilled in Acts 2:1-12.
V22 So then, unknown languages are a sign to those who don’t believe, not to those who believe, but prophesying is for those who believe, not for those who don’t believe.
This is shown to be true. Read the witness that real languages had on the Jerusalem visitors.
Bible Hub, Berean Study Bible notes: “Prophecy, in the New Testament context, refers to speaking forth God’s truth, often involving revelation or insight given by the Holy Spirit. Unlike tongues, prophecy is intended to edify, encourage, and comfort the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). It serves to build up the body of Christ, providing guidance and strengthening faith. Prophecy aligns with the role of the prophets in the Old Testament, who spoke God’s word to His people, calling them to faithfulness and repentance.
“While prophecy can convict and reveal the secrets of an unbeliever’s heart (1 Corinthians 14:24-25), its primary purpose is to benefit those who already believe. It fosters spiritual growth and understanding within the community of faith. The distinction between tongues and prophecy highlights the different roles these gifts play in God’s plan for the church and the world. Prophecy’s focus on believers underscores the importance of nurturing and sustaining the faith of the community, ensuring that the church remains grounded in truth and love.”
We learn:
• The purpose of tongues/languages.
• The priority of prophecy to strengthen the believers.
Questions:
• When using your spiritual gifts, what is your motive and goal?
• Are you using your spiritual gifts?