Life is a journey of growth, and as we mature, we often reflect on the changes we undergo. This process isn't just physical; it's deeply spiritual and emotional.
The Bible, a timeless source of wisdom, speaks profoundly about this transition, offering guidance and comfort as we learn to shed immature ways and embrace a more developed understanding of faith and life.
Finding a Bible verse about putting away childish things can be a powerful reminder of this spiritual evolution.
Embracing Maturity in Christ
The concept of "putting away childish things" isn't about losing our joy or sense of wonder.
Instead, it’s about cultivating spiritual discernment, letting go of attitudes and behaviors that hinder our growth in Christ, and embracing the responsibilities and wisdom that come with spiritual maturity.
This journey is often supported by scripture, which illuminates the path forward.
35 Bible Verses on Putting Away Childish Things
Here are 35 Bible verses that speak to the idea of spiritual and emotional maturity, encouraging us to leave behind what no longer serves our walk with God.
1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
Explanation: This verse beautifully illustrates the transition from childhood to adulthood, applying it to our spiritual lives.
It highlights that just as we outgrow physical and mental childishness, we should also outgrow immature spiritual thinking and behavior.
Ephesians 4:14
So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
Explanation: This verse warns against being easily swayed by false teachings or deceptive influences. Spiritual maturity means having a firm foundation in truth, not being easily misled like a child tossed by the wind.
Hebrews 5:11-14
About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.
Explanation: The author encourages spiritual growth from needing basic teachings ("milk") to understanding deeper truths ("solid food").
Maturity involves being able to discern right from wrong through practice and a deeper understanding of God's word.
Colossians 3:10
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Explanation: This verse speaks to the process of transformation. Putting away childish things is part of “putting on the new self,” which is continually being renewed and becoming more like Christ.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Explanation: Spiritual maturity involves actively renewing our minds, not just accepting the world’s ways. This transformation allows us to understand and live out God’s perfect will.
Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Explanation: This is about forward momentum in faith. It encourages us to let go of past mistakes or achievements and focus on the future calling God has for us, a hallmark of maturity.
1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—
Explanation: This verse uses the metaphor of infants craving milk to describe our need to desire God’s word for spiritual growth. Putting away childish things means actively seeking and nurturing our spiritual selves.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Explanation: As we mature in Christ, we are meant to exhibit the “fruit of the Spirit.” These qualities are the opposite of many childish impulses and represent a higher, more godly way of living.
Proverbs 1:4
to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to youth—
Explanation: Wisdom and discretion are qualities of maturity. The Bible teaches that these are gifts that help us navigate life wisely, moving beyond simple or naive thinking.
Proverbs 16:32
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Explanation: Self-control, particularly in anger, is a sign of maturity. A child often reacts impulsively, while a mature person can manage their emotions.
Proverbs 29:11
This foolish person vents all his feelings, but a wise person holds them back.
Explanation: This contrasts the impulsive venting of a child with the controlled expression of emotions by a wise, mature individual.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
Explanation: This verse reminds us that there’s a time for everything, including a time to transition from immaturity to maturity, from childish ways to more purposeful living.
Matthew 18:3
and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Explanation: While this verse encourages childlike humility and trust, it’s important to understand it in context. It doesn’t mean remaining childish in behavior, but adopting a child’s dependence on God.
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Explanation: Jesus’ example of selfless service is the ultimate model of mature leadership and love. Putting away childish self-centeredness means embracing a servant’s heart.
John 16:12
I have yet many things to tell you, but you cannot bear them now.
Explanation: Jesus recognized that His disciples weren’t ready for all truths at that time. This shows that spiritual understanding grows over time, implying a need to leave behind less developed comprehension.
Acts 20:20
how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, or from teaching you in public and from house to house,
Explanation: Paul’s dedication to teaching and guiding others reflects spiritual maturity. He didn’t shy away from difficult truths, a sign of leaving behind immaturity.
Romans 8:14
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Explanation: Being led by the Spirit signifies a mature relationship with God, moving beyond the self-will of a child to the guidance of a loving Father.
1 Corinthians 3:1-3
And I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife and divisions among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving like mere humans?
Explanation: This passage highlights immaturity in the Corinthian church, marked by division and strife. It calls them to move beyond fleshly behavior to spiritual understanding.
1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, do not be children in your thinking; be mature in everything that is evil, but innocent.
Explanation: This is a direct call to stop thinking like children, especially in how we approach matters of good and evil. Maturity means discernment and a robust understanding of God’s principles.
2 Corinthians 3:18
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Explanation: Spiritual growth is a continuous process of transformation, becoming more like Christ. This is the opposite of remaining stagnant in childish ways.
Galatians 4:1-2
I mean that as long as an heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything. But he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father.
Explanation: This parable illustrates that a child heir is under supervision until they reach maturity. So too, believers are guided by God’s principles until they reach spiritual maturity.
Galatians 4:4-5
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Explanation: This points to God’s perfect timing for bringing us into a mature relationship as His adopted children, a status we grow into.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Explanation: Mature speech is constructive and edifying, not like the careless or hurtful words a child might utter.
Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will continue it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Explanation: This verse offers assurance that God is actively working in us to bring us to maturity. Our role is to cooperate with His work, letting go of what hinders it.
Colossians 1:28
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
Explanation: The goal of ministry and spiritual teaching is to help believers become mature in their faith, moving beyond superficial understanding.
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
Explanation: This is a direct exhortation to move beyond the basic teachings and pursue deeper spiritual understanding and growth.
James 1:4
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Explanation: Patience and perseverance lead to completeness and maturity. This involves enduring trials with a Christ-like attitude, not the impatience of a child.
James 3:1
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
Explanation: The responsibility of teaching requires a higher level of maturity and accountability, indicating that there are different levels of spiritual development.
1 John 2:12
I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.
Explanation: While John addresses believers as “little children” in love, he also writes to them about growing up in their understanding and walk with Christ.
1 John 2:13-14
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
Explanation: This passage distinguishes between different stages of spiritual maturity – children, young men, and fathers – each with their own characteristics and relationship with God.
Revelation 3:2
Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
Explanation: This is a call to action for a church that has become stagnant. It urges them to revive and strengthen their faith, moving away from spiritual complacency.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Explanation: While this is about raising children, it also implies that the foundational training in righteousness leads to lasting character and maturity, a contrast to departing from good principles.
Isaiah 40:31
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Explanation: Waiting on the Lord brings renewed strength and endurance, a characteristic of spiritual maturity that allows us to persevere without giving up easily.
Lamentations 3:27
It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
Explanation: This verse suggests that facing challenges and responsibilities early in life can build character and prepare one for greater maturity and endurance later on.
Embracing Your Spiritual Growth
These verses offer a powerful perspective on the journey of spiritual maturity. They remind us that growth is a natural and intended part of our walk with God.
Putting away childish things isn't about regret, but about embracing a richer, more purposeful life in Christ. As we reflect on these scriptures, we can find encouragement and direction for our own spiritual development.
May these Bible verses about putting away childish things inspire you to continually grow, to seek deeper understanding, and to live a life that honors God in every season.
What are your thoughts on spiritual maturity? Do you have a favorite Bible verse about putting away childish things that has impacted your journey? Share your experiences and reflections in the comments below!