15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (1 Corinthians 14:15-20 KJV)
Commentary
The apostle sums up his argument by directing the Corinthians on how to pray and sing in public worship: “I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (1 Corinthians 14:15). He does not forbid praying or singing under divine inspiration but insists that these be done in ways others can understand, so all may join in worship. Public worship should always be conducted so as to be understood.
Otherwise, the unlearned could not say “Amen” to their prayers or thanksgivings, for they would not understand them (1 Corinthians 14:16). Those who fill the place of the unlearned—the ordinary members of the congregation—must be able to follow what is said so they can express agreement and fellowship in worship. Saying “Amen” means, “So be it,” or “May God grant what has been prayed for.” It expresses consent to prayers, confessions, and thanksgivings. All should say Amen inwardly, and it is fitting to express that agreement audibly in public prayer. The early Christians did so. But how can the people respond if they do not understand the language? There can be no true participation in prayers that are not understood. The purpose of public worship is destroyed if it is performed in an unknown tongue. The one who leads may pray well, but not in a way that benefits others, because those who do not understand cannot be edified (1 Corinthians 14:17).
Paul supports his point with his own example: “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than all of you” (1 Corinthians 14:18). It was not jealousy that led him to downplay the gift of tongues, for he possessed it in greater measure than any of them. Yet he valued understanding far above the mere display of gifts. “But in the church I would rather speak five words with understanding, that I may instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue” (1 Corinthians 14:19). A faithful minister values the smallest good done to souls above the greatest praise or admiration for his abilities. True greatness lies in serving others, not in showing off one’s gifts.
Paul then adds a gentle rebuke: “Brothers, do not be children in understanding. In malice be children, but in understanding be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20). Children are easily impressed by novelty and show, but adults discern the true value of things. The Corinthians’ pride in their gifts revealed immaturity of judgment. They were to be childlike only in innocence and freedom from malice, not in understanding. Christians should be harmless and sincere like children, yet wise and mature in knowledge and judgment (Hebrews 5:13).