Note 23 at 1 Cor. 14:20: The Greek word that was translated "malice" in this verse was "kakia" which means "badness, i.e. depravity, or malignity, or trouble". The dictionary defines malice as "the desire to harm others, or to see other suffer; ill will; spite." Paul is saying that these Corinthians who had been speaking in tongues in the church assembly without an interpreter were in effect treating the other members of the body badly. They were only thinking of themselves. That was malice, or intent to exalt self, at the expense of others.

The scriptures admonish us not to do anything with malice (1 Cor. 5:8; this verse; Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8; 1 Pet. 2:1). There are times when love will compel us to rebuke others or administer discipline. Yet there should never be malice (intent to hurt) involved (see note 4 at Acts 16:37, p. 673). This is the "acid test" of whether or not we are motivated by God or our own selfish desires. If God is leading us, there will never be malice involved.

Note 24 at 1 Cor. 14:20: Paul is advocating being naive concerning hurting others (see note 23 at this verse), but well educated concerning understanding the needs of others. In context, he is speaking of putting the needs of others ahead of a desire to edify only one's self through speaking in tongues.