Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Corinthians 14:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Corinthians 14:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Corinthians 14:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Paul, don't think like small children who don't understand things; instead, be innocent like children when it comes to doing bad things, but try to understand like grown-ups in everything else.

1 Corinthians 14:20: 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]

Contradiction with Proverbs 1:22

This verse depicts the simple as loving simplicity and fools hating knowledge, which can contradict the admonition in 1 Corinthians 14:20 to be mature in understanding.

Proverbs 1:22: How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

Contradiction with Matthew 18:3

This verse emphasizes the necessity to become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven, contrasting with the call for maturity in understanding in 1 Corinthians 14:20.

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.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 3:1-2

Here, Paul addresses the Corinthians as babes in Christ and implies immaturity, which contrasts with his later call for understanding maturity in 1 Corinthians 14:20.

1 Corinthians 3:1-2: And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ.

Contradiction with Hebrews 5:13-14

This passage distinguishes between those who only consume milk (immature) and those who partake in strong meat (mature), contrasting with the call in 1 Corinthians 14:20 to be mature in understanding, as it suggests some are not ready for maturity.

Hebrews 5:13-14: For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. [is unskillful: Gr. hath no experience]

Contradiction with Matthew 11:25

This verse speaks of truths being hidden from the wise and prudent and revealed to babes, which can contradict the idea of being mature in understanding as advised in 1 Corinthians 14:20.

Matthew 11:25: At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Paradox #1

1 Corinthians 14:20 encourages believers to be mature in their understanding but innocent regarding evil. A potential contradiction might arise when considering how one can be fully aware of evil to avoid it yet remain innocent of it. Balancing awareness and innocence could lead to confusion about how much one should know about harmful behaviors without being influenced by them.

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