1Corinthians:14

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* Pursue love , and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts , especially that you may prophesy . * For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God ; for no one understands him , but in his spirit he speaks mysteries . * But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their edification and encouragement and comfort . * He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself , but he who prophesies edifies the church . * Now I want you all to speak in tongues , but even more that you would prophesy . He who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues , unless some one interprets , so that the church may be edified . * But now , brethren , if I come to you speaking in tongues , what will I profit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching ? * If even lifeless things , such as the flute or the harp , do not give a distinction in the notes , how will any one know what is played ? * And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound , who will get ready for battle ? * So it is with you , unless you utter by the tongue speech that is intelligible , how will anyone know what is spoken ? For you will be speaking into the air . * Undoubtedly there are many languages in the world , and none of them is without meaning . * If then I do not know the meaning of the language , I will be a foreigner to the one who is speaking , and the speaker will be a foreigner to me . * So it is with you ; since you are eager for spiritual gifts , strive to excel in building up the church . * Therefore , he who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret . * For if I pray in a tongue , my spirit prays , but my mind is unfruitful . * What am I to do ? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also ; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also . * Otherwise , if you bless with the spirit , how can any one in the position of an outsider say the »Amen « to your thanksgiving , since he does not know what you are saying ? * For you may be giving thanks well enough , but the other man is not edified . * I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all ; * but in the church I would rather speak five words with my mind , to instruct others , than ten thousand words in a tongue . * Brethren , do not be children in your thinking ; be infants in evil , but in thinking be mature . * In the law it is written , * Tongues , then , are a sign , not for believers but for unbelievers ; but prophecy is for believers , not for unbelievers . * Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues , and outsiders or unbelievers enter , will they not say that you are mad ? * But if all prophesy , and an unbeliever or an outsider enters , he is convicted by all , he is called to account by all ; * the secrets of his heart are disclosed ; and so , he will fall on his face , and worship God , declaring that God is really among you . * What is the outcome then , brethren ? When you come together , each one has a hymn , or a teaching , or a revelation , or a tongue , or an interpretation . Let all things be done for edification . * If anyone speaks in a tongue , it should be by two or at the most three , and each in turn ; and one must interpret . * But if there is no interpreter , he must keep silent in the church ; and let him speak to himself and to God . * Let two or three prophets speak , and let the others weigh what is said . * But if a revelation is made to another who is sitting , the first one must keep silent . * For you can all prophesy one by one , so that all may learn and all be encouraged ; * and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets . * For God is not a God of confusion but of peace . * the women should keep silent in the churches . For they are not permitted to speak , but should be submissive , as even the law says . * If they desire to learn anything , let them ask their own husbands at home ; for it is shameful for a woman to speak in church . * Did the word of God originate with you ? Or are you the only people it has reached ? * If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual , let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord 's command . * But if anyone does not recognize this , he is not recognized . * Therefore , my brethren , desire earnestly to prophesy , and do not forbid speaking in tongues . * But all things should be done decently and in an orderly way .

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