1 Corinthians 14
Speaking in tongues is for personal edification, while prophesying is for the edification of the Church. Without interpretation, speaking in tongues is of no benefit to others, and can even be confusing. In the Church, it is more beneficial to speak in a way that can be understood by all, so that everyone can learn and be encouraged. The goal should be to edify the Church, and to do so in a respectful and orderly manner.
Pursue charity. Be zealous for spiritual things, but only so that you may prophesyFor whoever speaks in tongues, speaks not to men, but to God. For no one understands. Yet by the Spirit, he speaks mysteriesBut whoever prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolationWhoever speaks in tongues edifies himself. But whoever prophesies edifies the ChurchNow I want you all to speak in tongues, but more so to prophesy. For he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless perhaps he interprets, so that the Church may receive edificationBut now, brothers, if I were to come to you speaking in tongues, how would it benefit you, unless instead I speak to you in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in doctrineEven those things that are without a soul can make sounds, whether it is a wind or a stringed instrument. But unless they present a distinction within the sounds, how will it be known which is from the pipe and which is from the stringFor example, if the trumpet made an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for battleSo it is with you also, for unless you utter with the tongue in plain speech, how will it be known what is said? For then you would be speaking into the airConsider that there are so many different kinds of languages in this world, and yet none is without a voiceTherefore, if I do not understand the nature of the voice, then I shall be like a foreigner to the one with whom I am speaking; and he who is speaking will be like a foreigner to meSo it is with you also. And since you are zealous for what is spiritual, seek the edification of the Church, so that you may aboundFor this reason, too, whoever speaks in tongues, let him pray for the interpretationSo, if I pray in tongues, my spirit prays, but my mind is without fruitWhat is next? I should pray with the spirit, and also pray with the mind. I should sing psalms with the spirit, and also recite psalms with the mindOtherwise, if you have blessed only with the spirit, how can someone, in a state of ignorance, add an "Amen" to your blessing? For he does not know what you are sayingIn this case, certainly, you give thanks well, but the other person is not edifiedI thank my God that I speak in tongues for all of youBut in the Church, I prefer to speak five words from my mind, so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in tonguesBrothers, do not choose to have the minds of children. Instead, be free of malice like infants, but be mature in your mindsIt is written in the law: "I will speak to this people with other tongues and other lips, and even so, they will not heed me, says the Lord.And so, tongues are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers; and prophecies are not for unbelievers, but for believersIf then, the entire Church were to gather together as one, and if all were to speak in tongues, and then ignorant or unbelieving persons were to enter, would they not say that you were insaneBut if everyone prophesies, and one who is ignorant or unbelieving enters, he may be convinced by it all, because he understands it allThe secrets of his heart are then made manifest. And so, falling to his face, he would adore God, proclaiming that God is truly among youWhat is next, brothers? When you gather together, each one of you may have a psalm, or a doctrine, or a revelation, or a language, or an interpretation, but let everything be done for edificationIf anyone is speaking in tongues, let there be only two, or at most three, and then in turn, and let someone interpretBut if there is no one to interpret, he should remain silent in the church, then he may speak when he is alone with GodAnd let the prophets speak, two or three, and let the others discernBut then, if something is revealed to another who is sitting, let the first one become silentFor you are all able to prophesy one at a time, so that all may learn and all may be encouragedFor the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophetsAnd God is not of dissension, but of peace, just as I also teach in all the churches of the saintsWomen should be silent in the churches. For it is not permitted for them to speak; but instead, they should be subordinate, as the law also saysAnd if they want to learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in churchSo now, did the Word of God proceed from you? Or was it sent to you aloneIf anyone seems to be a prophet or a spiritual person, he should understand these things which I am writing to you, that these things are the commandments of the LordIf anyone does not recognize these things, he should not be recognizedAnd so, brothers, be zealous to prophesy, and do not prohibit speaking in tonguesBut let everything be done respectfully and according to proper order
Share this chapter