Prophecy and Tongues

14 Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially [the gift] of prophecy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands [him]; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 But he who prophesies speaks to men [for their] edification, encouragement, and comfort. 4 The [one who] speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the [one who] prophesies edifies [the] church.

5 I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but {I would} rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies [is] greater than [one who] speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.

6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I [bring] you [some] revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 Even in the case of lifeless instruments such as [the] flute or harp, how will [anyone] recognize [the tune] they are playing unless the notes are distinct? 8 Again if [the] trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle? 9 So [it is] with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with [your] tongue, how will [anyone] know what you are saying? You will [ just ] be speaking into [the] air.

10 Assuredly, there are many different languages in [the] world, yet none [of them is] without meaning. 11 If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner[fn] to the speaker, and [he is] a foreigner to me.

12 It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel [in gifts that] build up the church. 13 Therefore, the [one who] speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

15 What then [shall I do]? I will pray with [my] spirit, but I will also pray with [my] mind. I will sing with [my] spirit, but I will also sing with [my] mind. 16 Otherwise, if you speak a blessing in spirit,[fn] how {can} [someone] who is uninstructed say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 You {may} be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified.

18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in [the] church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In [regard to] evil be infants, but in [your] thinking be mature.

21 It is written in the Law: “By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, [but] even then they will {not} listen to Me, says [the] Lord.”[fn]

22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, [is] for believers, not for unbelievers.

23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24 But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted [and] called to account by all, 25 [and] the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown [and] worship God, proclaiming “God is truly among you!”