1Corinthians:14

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* Hotly pursue this love , yet seek earnestly spiritual gifts , and chiefly that you may prophesy . * For he who speaks in a "tongue " speaks not to man but to God , for no one understands him , but in the Spirit he utters secret truths . * But he who prophesies addresses words to men that build up , encourage , and console . * He who speaks in a tongue upbuilds himself ; but he who prophesies upbuilds the church . * Now I should like you all to speak with "tongues "; but I should rather that you prophesied , For he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues , unless he interprets , so that the church may be built up . * Now brothers , if I should come to you speaking with tongues , what should I benefit you , unless I speak to you some revelation , or knowledge , or prophecy , or teaching ? * For if lifeless instruments such as the flute or the harp give no distinction in the sounds , how shall it be known what is fluted or harped ? * Or , for example , if the trumpet give an uncertain sound , what soldier will be prepared for battle ? * In the same way with you , if you utter unintelligible words with your tongue , how can what you say be understood ? You will be speaking to the winds ! * There are , let us say , so many languages in the world , and none without its meaning . * If then I do not know the force of expression , I shall seem a barbarian to the one who uses it , and he will seem a barbarian to me . * So also in your case , since you are ambitious for spiritual gifts , seek to excel in them for the upbuilding of the church . * So let him who speaks with tongues pray that he may interpret . * For if I pray in an unknown tongue , my spirit prays , but my mind is barren . * What then ? I will pray with my spirit , and I will pray also with my mind . I will praise God with my spirit , but I will praise him with my mind , also . * For if you in your spirit bless God , how shall he who fills the place of the unlearned say the Amen to your thanksgiving , when he does not know what you are talking about ? * You on the one hand offer a good thanksgiving , but the other is not built up . * Thank God I speak with tongues more than you all , * but in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding , so as to instruct others , than ten thousand in an unknown tongue . * Brothers , do not become children in understanding ; be babes in malice , but in understanding become mature men . * In the Law it is written . With men of other tongues , and by the lips of strangers , will I speak to this people , and even then they will not listen to me , says the Lord . * So then the gift of tongues is for a sign , not to believers , but to unbelievers ; but prophecy is not for unbelievers , but for those who believe . * Accordingly , when the whole church assemblies , and everybody is speaking "with tongues ," if there enter men unlearned or unbelieving , will they not say that you are mad ? * But if all are prophesying when an unlearned or unbelieving man enters , he is convicted in conscience by your speaker , he feels himself judged by all , * and the secret depths of his heart are laid open . So he will fall upon his face and worship God , saying , "Of a truth , God is with you ." * What follows , then , brothers ? Whenever you meet together , each contributes something ; a psalm , a sermon , a revelation , a tongue , an interpretation . Let all be done for edification . * If any one speaks in an unknown tongue , let it be by two , or at the most by three , and that in turn , and let some one interpret . * But if there is no one to interpret , let them keep silence in the church , and speak to themselves and to God . * Let the prophets speak by two or three , and let the others exercise their judgment . * But if to one as he sits there some revelation is made , let the first be silent . * For you can all prophesy one by one ; so that all may be learning , and all may be encouraged . * The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets , * for God is not a God of confusion , but of peace . This custom prevails in all the churches of the saints . * "In your congregation " you write , "as in all the churches of the saints , let the women keep silence in the churches , for they are not permitted to speak . On the contrary let them be subordinate , as also says the law . * And if they want to learn anything , let them ask their own husbands at home , for it is shameful for a women to speak in church ." * What , was it from you that the word of God went forth , or to you only did it come ? * If any one thinks himself a prophet or spiritual , let him recognize that what I am now writing you is a command of the Lord . * But if any one disregard it he will be disregarded . * So , my brothers , be ambitious for the gift of prophecy , and speak not against the gifts of tongues . * Let everything be done decently and in order .

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