1 Corinthians 14
1Pursue love, and be zealous for spiritual things, but especially that you may prophesy. 2For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands him, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries. 3On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their building up, encouragement, and consolation. 4The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the assembly. 5Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; the one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the assembly may receive a building up.
6Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, or knowledge, or prophecy, or teaching? 7It is the same with inanimate things that produce a sound, whether a flute or a harp; if they do not provide a distinction in the notes, how will anyone know what is being played on the flute or the harp? 8For if the trumpet produces an indistinct call, who will prepare for battle? 9So it is with you; through the tongue, unless you give a clear word, how will anyone know what is being spoken? You will be speaking into the air.
10There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and none is without meaning. 11Therefore, if I do not know the power of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker will be a foreigner to me. 12So also with you, since you are zealous for spirits, seek to abound in those things that build up the assembly. 13Therefore, let the one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15What is the result then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will also pray with the mind; I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will also sing praise with the mind. 16For if you give a blessing only in the spirit, how will the one occupying the place of the uninitiated visitor say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving? Since he does not know what you are saying, 17you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. 18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you; 19but in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my mind, so that I might instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
20Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking; rather, be infants regarding evil, but in your thinking be mature. 21In the Law it is written: “By those of foreign tongues and by the lips of others I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to me,” says the Lord. 22Consequently, tongues serve as a sign, not for those who believe but for unbelievers; while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23If, therefore, the whole assembly comes together and everyone is speaking in tongues, and uninitiated visitors or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24But if everyone prophesies, and an unbeliever or uninitiated visitor enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; 25the secrets of his heart become manifest, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God, declaring, “God is truly among you!”
26What is the conclusion then, brothers and sisters? Whenever you come together, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at most three, and each in turn, and let one interpret. 28But if there is no interpreter, let them keep silent in the assembly and speak to themselves and to God. 29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others discern. 30If a revelation is made to another who is seated, let the first be silent. 31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged. 32(And the spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets; 33for God is not a God of disorder but of peace), as in all the assemblies of the holy ones.
34The wives should keep silent in the assemblies, for they are not permitted to speak; instead, let them be in a state of subjection, just as the Law says. 35If they wish to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is a disgrace for a wife to speak in the assembly. 36Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37If anyone thinks he is a prophet or a spiritual person, let him recognize that the things I am writing to you are the Lord’s command. 38If anyone ignores this, he is to be ignored. 39Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be zealous to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40But let all things be done properly and according to order.