1Corinthians:14:1-25

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* Follow after charity , be zealous for spiritual gifts ; but rather that you may prophesy . * For he that speaketh in a tongue , speaketh not unto men , but unto God : for no man heareth . Yet by the Spirit he speaketh mysteries . * But he that prophesieth , speaketh to men unto edification , and exhortation , and comfort . * He that speaketh in a tongue , edifieth himself : but he that prophesieth , edifieth the church . * And I would have you all to speak with tongues , but rather to prophesy . For greater is he that prophesieth , than he that speaketh with tongues : unless perhaps he interpret , that the church may receive edification . * But now , brethren , if I come to you speaking with tongues , what shall I profit you , unless I speak to you either in revelation , or in knowledge , or in prophecy , or in doctrine ? * Even things without life that give sound , whether pipe or harp , except they give a distinction of sounds , how shall it be known what is piped or harped ? * For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound , who shall prepare himself to the battle ? * So likewise you , except you utter by the tongue plain speech , how shall it be known what is said ? For you shall be speaking into the air . * There are , for example , so many kinds of tongues in this world ; and none is without voice . * If then I know not the power of the voice , I shall be to him to whom I speak a barbarian ; and he that speaketh , a barbarian to me . * So you also , forasmuch as you are zealous of spirits , seek to abound unto the edifying of the church . * And therefore he that speaketh by a tongue , let him pray that he may interpret . * For if I pray in a tongue , my spirit prayeth , but my understanding is without fruit . * What is it then ? I will pray with the spirit , I will pray also with the understanding ; I will sing with the spirit , I will sing also with the understanding . * Else if thou shalt bless with the spirit , how shall he that holdeth the place of the unlearned say , Amen , to thy blessing ? because he knoweth not what thou sayest . * For thou indeed givest thanks well , but the other is not edified . * I thank my God I speak with all your tongues . * But in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding , that I may instruct others also ; than ten thousand words in a tongue . * Brethren , do not become children in sense : but in malice be children , and in sense be perfect . * In the law it is written : In other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people ; and neither so will they hear me , saith the Lord . * Wherefore tongues are for a sign , not to believers , but to unbelievers ; but prophecies not to unbelievers , but to believers . * If therefore the whole church come together into one place , and all speak with tongues , and there come in unlearned persons or infidels , will they not say that you are mad ? * But if all prophesy , and there come in one that believeth not , or an unlearned person , he is convinced of all , he is judged of all . * The secrets of his heart are made manifest ; and so , falling down on his face , he will adore God , affirming that God is among you indeed .

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