¹⁸I thank God that I speak in other languages more than any of you. ¹⁹Yet, in order to teach others in church, I would rather say five words that can be understood than ten thousand words in another language.

²⁰Brothers and sisters, don’t think like children. When it comes to evil, be like babies, but think like mature people. ²¹God’s word says,

“Through people who speak foreign languages

and through the mouths of foreigners

I will speak to these people,

but even then they will not listen to me,

says the Lord.”

²²So the gift of speaking in other languages is a sign for unbelievers, not for believers. The gift of speaking what God has revealed is a sign for believers, not for unbelievers. ²³Suppose the whole congregation gathers in the same place and you speak in other languages. When outsiders or unbelievers come in, won’t they say that you’re out of your mind? ²⁴Now suppose you speak what God has revealed. When unbelievers or outsiders come in you will show them where they are wrong and convince them that they are sinners. ²⁵The secrets in their hearts will become known, and in this way they will quickly bow with their faces touching the ground, worship God, and confess that God is truly among you.

Maintain Order in Your Worship Services

²⁶So what does this mean, brothers and sisters? When you gather, each person has a psalm, doctrine, revelation, another language, or an interpretation. Everything must be done to help each other grow. ²⁷If people speak in other languages, only two or three at the most should speak. They should do it one at a time, and someone must interpret what each person says. ²⁸But if an interpreter isn’t present, those people should remain silent in church. They should only speak to themselves and to God.

²⁹Two or three people should speak what God has revealed. Everyone else should decide whether what each person said is right or wrong. ³⁰If God reveals something to another person who is seated, the first speaker should be silent. ³¹All of you can take your turns speaking what God has revealed. In that way, everyone will learn and be encouraged. ³²People who speak what God has revealed must control themselves. ³³God is not a God of disorder but a God of peace.

As in all the churches of God’s holy people, ³⁴the women must keep silent. They don’t have the right to speak. They must take their place as Moses’ Teachings say. ³⁵If they want to know anything they should ask their husbands at home. It’s shameful for a woman to speak in church. ³⁶Did God’s word originate with you? Are you the only ones it has reached?

³⁷Whoever thinks that he speaks for God or that he is spiritually gifted must acknowledge that what I write to you is what the Lord commands. ³⁸But whoever ignores what I write should be ignored.

³⁹So, brothers and sisters, desire to speak what God has revealed, and don’t keep anyone from speaking in other languages. ⁴⁰Everything must be done in a proper and orderly way.

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