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Ephesians 4:14
ESV 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.
NIV Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.
NASB As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
CSB Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit.
NLT Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.
KJV That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
NKJV that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

What does Ephesians 4:14 mean?

One positive result from maturity in a believer is not being tricked by false teaching. Those who are "no longer children" can stand against lies and deceit. Paul's analogy of being "tossed to and fro by the waves" sounds like James 1:6, which instructs us to pray in faith without doubting. Jude 1:13 also uses the idea of "wild waves of the sea." The goal is to avoid being "carried about by every wind of doctrine." False teaching changes regularly. Those who are immature can easily be fooled into thinking false teaching is accurate.

This can take place in two ways. First, believers can be deceived by "human cunning." This is the power of human persuasion; a smooth talker can wield influence over others. Second, a person can be deceived by "craftiness in deceitful schemes." These are evil plans that may appear good but actually promote something false. In Ephesians 6:11 Paul will add that believers can "Put on the whole armor of God, that [they] may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
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