In malice be babes

 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. - 1 Corinthians 14.20

This chapter is mostly about tongues and other spiritual gifts. I am not crazy enough to get involved in that debate on my own personal blog though. But right in the middle of the chapter is this wonderful little instruction.

Don't be babies when it comes to understanding truths. Instead have some maturity. It is vital that we all grow in the knowledge of the truth. If we stagnate we do the cause of Christ no good. We are to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our growth in knowledge should be a life long process and a life long pursuit. If there is no growth there is the stench of stagnation.

There is an area though where we are too  be baby like.

In malice be like a baby.

The word malice means badness, or depravity, or malignity.

The idea is that when it comes to these things we need to be like little children, who, though may misbehave, don't do so with a malicious spirit.

No matter what the context there is never an excuse for malice in Christian conduct. Let's be innocent when it comes to malice. Instead, like the previous chapter pointed out we ought to always been mindful of the importance of love.

President Lincoln said it best, 'With malice toward none, with charity towards all...'