I Corinthians 14

1. Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

2. For the one who speaks in an unknown language is not speaking to men, but to God; for no one understands him. And indeed, what he speaks in his spirit is a mystery.

3. On the other hand, the one who prophesies is speaking to men for edification and encouragement and comfort.

4. The one who speaks in an unknown language is edifying only himself; but the one who prophesies is edifying the church.

5. Now I would have all of you speak in foreign languages; but even more, I would have you prophesy; because greater is the one who prophesies than the one who speaks in languages, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edification.

6. And now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in foreign languages, of what benefit will it be to you, unless I speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching?

7. It is the same with the inanimate things that make sounds, whether a flute or harp; if they do not give distinction to the sounds, how will it be known what is being piped or harped?

8. For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for war?

9. In the same way also, unless you give intelligible speech, how will it be known what is being spoken? For you will be speaking gibberish into the air.

10. There are so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without definite sounds.

11. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the sounds, I shall be a barbarian to the one who is speaking, and the one who is speaking will be a barbarian to me.

12. In the same way, since you are desirous of spiritual gifts, seek them that you may abound for the edification of the church.

13. For this reason, let the one who speaks in an unknown language pray that he may interpret.

14. For if I pray in an unknown language, my spirit is praying, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15. What then is the sum of it? I will pray with the spirit, but I will also pray with the understanding. I will praise with the spirit, but I will also praise with the understanding.

16. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how shall the one who sits in the room of the unlearned be able to say “Amen” when you give thanks, since he does not understand what you are saying?

17. For you may indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18. I thank my God that I speak in languages more than all of you.

19. But in the church, I desire to speak five words with my understanding rather than ten thousand words in an unknown language, so that I may also instruct others.

20. Brethren, do not be children in your minds; however, in regard to malice be babes, but in your minds be fully mature.

21. It is written in the law, “Therefore, in other languages and by other lips will I speak to this people; but even then, they will not hear Me, says the Lord.”

22. Consequently, gifts of languages are a sign—not for those who believe, but for those who do not believe. But prophecy is not for the unbelievers, but for those who believe.

23. Therefore, if the whole church is assembled together in one place, and all are speaking in unknown languages, and unlearned persons or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you have lost your minds?

24. But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or unlearned person comes in, he is convicted by all, and he is discerned by all.

25. And in this way the secrets of his heart are exposed; and so, bowing down on his face, he will worship God, declaring that God is indeed among you.

26. What is it then, brethren? When you assemble together, each of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a language, has a revelation, or has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

27. If anyone speaks in a foreign language, let it be by two, or three at the most, and let that be in succession; and let one interpret.

28. But if there is no interpreter, let him be silent in the church, and let him speak within himself and to God.

29. And let the prophets speak, two or three in succession; and let the others discern.

30. But if anything be revealed to another who is sitting by, let the first one be silent.

31. For your prophets can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and may be encouraged.

32. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

34. Let your women be silent in the churches, for they are not allowed to speak; but they are to be in subjection, exactly as the law says.

35. And if they wish to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home. For it is a shame for a woman to speak in church.

36. WHAT? Did the Word of God originate with you? Or did it come only to you and no one else?

37. If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write to you are commandments of the Lord.

38. But if anyone chooses to be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39. So then, brethren, desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in foreign languages.

40. Let all things be done decently and in order.