1 Corinthians 14:1–17

¹Follow after love, and be emulous of spiritual manifestations, but rather that ye may prophesy. ²For he that speaks with a tongue does not speak to men but to God: for no one hears; but in spirit he speaks mysteries. ³But he that prophesies speaks to men in edification, and encouragement, and consolation. ⁴He that speaks with a tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the assembly. ⁵Now I desire that ye should all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy. But greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interpret, that the assembly may receive edification.

⁶And now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I shall speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching? ⁷Even lifeless things giving a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they give not distinction to the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? ⁸For also, if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for war? ⁹Thus also ye with the tongue, unless ye give a distinct speech, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking to the air. ¹⁰There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of undistinguishable sound. ¹¹If therefore I do not know the power of the sound, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks a barbarian for me. ¹²Thus ye also, since ye are desirous of spirits, seek that ye may abound for the edification of the assembly. ¹³Wherefore let him that speaks with a tongue pray that he may interpret. ¹⁴For if I pray with a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

¹⁵What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray also with the understanding; I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing also with the understanding. ¹⁶Since otherwise, if thou blessest with the spirit, how shall he who fills the place of the simple Christian say Amen, at thy giving of thanks, since he does not know what thou sayest? ¹⁷For thou indeed givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.