1 Corinthians 14:20

1 Corinthians 14:20 says, Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.  Paul warned the Christians at Corinth to not act like children in their understanding of the way to worship in church.  I believe Paul was saying that when they began to do things that simply benefited themselves it was showing malice, or a lack of concern for those gathered with them.  Just as children can become selfish in their actions, so is worshipping in public where only we benefit selfish.  Verse twenty-one adds, 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.  This is from Isaiah 28:11.  Matthew Henry says this refers to times when Israel was taken captive by other countries and were spoken to in other languages.  Even in those times the people of God often refused to listen to the voice of God.  We need to listen for God's voice no matter what may be going on around us.  Verse twenty-two continues, Wherefore 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.  I believe that Paul was saying that being able to speak in the language of the unbeliever was a sign to them of the power of God, but it was not a sign to those who believe.  As followers of Christ, we need to understand what God is saying to us, and this is not done by words that have no meaning to us.  Verse twenty-three states, If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?  Paul asks if we are all speaking in different tongues, or languages, and those that are unlearned, or unbelievers come into the service if they wouldn't think us mad.  Again, I believe that God will always lead us to understanding and not confusion.  When we worship together, any lost person coming into the service should clearly understand what is being said.  Verse twenty-four adds, But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:  I believe that as Paul was comparing tongues to prophecy, he was telling us that if we are to prophecy or teach in  clearly understood words, we can reach the lost, but if we are all speaking in tongues, or unknown languages, we will only leave them confused.  Verse twenty-five continues, And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.  This is a continuation of what Paul was saying in the last few verses.  Instead of the unbeliever asking if we are mad, if he or she understands what is being proclaimed and accepts the gospel into their heart, they will be saved.  The purpose of the church is to reach the lost and to edify, or teach and strengthen one another in faith.  Verse twenty-six asks, How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.  Paul tells us that when we come together, it is not just to be as a group of individuals doing whatever they are doing for their own benefit but doing it for the benefit of the group.  Verse twenty-seven adds, If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.  Paul tells us that no more than two or three should speak in an unknown tongue at any service, and even then it should be in succession, and not all at once.  He adds that there should be another person with the gift of interpretation present who could interpret what was being said.  Verse twenty-eight continues, But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.  This is separate from the one who is speaking.  If the person speaking also interprets, then everything is being done for show and could lead to false doctrine being introduced into the church.  If a person says that God has given them an utterance in an unknown tongue, and if no one else understands what they are saying and they interpret what they say God spoke to them in an unknown tongue, then they would be free to interpret it any way they chose.  Paul tells if there is no one other than the person speaking in an unknown tongue to interpret, the person should remain silent in the church.