1Corinthians:14:1-25

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* Pursue love , and desire the spiritual [gifts ], but especially that you may prophesy . * For he who speaks in an [unknown ] tongue speaks not to men , but to God , for no one understands him ; however , in the spirit he speaks mysteries . * But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort . * He who speaks in an [unknown ] tongue edifies himself , but he who prophesies edifies the church . * Now I wish you all spoke in tongues , but even more that you should prophesy ; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues , unless he interprets , so that the church may be edified . * But now , brothers , if I come to you speaking in tongues , what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either in a revelation , or in knowledge , or in a prophesy , or in doctrine ? * Likewise the lifeless things , when they make a sound , whether flute or harp , unless they make a distinction in the tones , how will it be known what is being played on the flute , or what is being played on the harp ? * For if the trumpet gives an indistinct sound , who will prepare for battle ? * So also you , [if you ] do not give a clear word by the tongue , how will it be known what is being spoken ? For you will be speaking into the air . * There are , perhaps , so many kinds of sounds in the world , and none of them without meaning . * Therefore , if I do not know the meaning of the sound , I shall be as a foreigner to the [one ]speaking , and the [one ] speaking [shall be ] as a foreigner to me . * So also you , since you are zealous of spiritual [gifts ], seek that you may abound to the edification of the church . * Therefore let he that speaks in an [unknown ] tongue pray that he may interpret . * For if I pray in a tongue , my spirit prays , but my understanding is unfruitful . * What is the conclusion then ? I will pray with the spirit , and I will also pray with the mind . I will sing with the spirit , and I will also sing with the mind . * Otherwise , if you bless with the spirit , how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen "when you give thanks , since he does not know what you are saying ? * For you indeed give thanks well , but the other is not edified . * I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all ; * but in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding , in order that I may instruct others , rather than ten thousand words in an [unknown ] tongue . * Brothers , do not be children in your understanding ; rather , in malice be children , but in understanding be men . * In the law it is written : "With men of other tongues and by strange lips I will speak to this people ; and yet not even in this way will they hear Me ,"says the Lord . * So then tongues are for a sign , not to those who believe but to unbelievers ; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe . * If then the whole church comes together at the same place , and all speak in tongues , and there come in [those that are ] unlearned or unbelievers , will they not say that you are mad ? * But if all prophesy , and an unbeliever or an unlearned person comes in , he is reproved by all , he is discerned by all . * And so the secrets of his heart become clear ; and so , falling down on his face , he will worship God , reporting that God is truly among you !

---