141 Pursue love , yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy . 2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God ; for no one understands , but in his spirit he speaks mysteries . 3 But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation . 4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself ; but one who prophesies edifies the church . 5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues , but even more that you would prophesy ; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues , unless e he interprets , so that the church may receive edifying .
6 But now , brethren , if I come to you speaking in tongues , what will I profit you unless e I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching ? 7 Yet even lifeless things , either flute or harp , in producing a sound , if they do not produce a distinction in the tones , how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp ? 8 For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound , who will prepare himself for battle ? 9 So also you, unless e you utter by the tongue speech that is clear , how will it be known what is spoken ? For you will be speaking into the air . 10 There are, perhaps , a great many kinds of languages in the world , and no kind is without meaning . 11 If then I do not know the meaning of the language , I will be to the one who speaks a barbarian , and the one who speaks will be a barbarian to me. 12 So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church . 13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret . 14 For if I pray in a tongue , my spirit prays , but my mind is unfruitful .
15 What is the outcome then ? 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 . 16 Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the "Amen " at your giving of thanks , since he does not know what you are saying ? 17 For you are giving thanks well enough , but the other person is not edified . 18 I thank God , I speak in tongues more than you all ; 19 however , in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also , rather than ten thousand words in a tongue . 20 Brethren , do not be children in your thinking ; yet in evil be infants , but in your thinking be mature .
21 In the Law it is written , " BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE , AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME," says the Lord . 22 So then tongues are for a sign , not to those who believe but to unbelievers ; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe . 23 Therefore if the whole church assembles together e e and all speak in tongues , and ungifted men or unbelievers enter , will they not say that you are mad ? 24 But if all prophesy , and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters , he is convicted by all , he is called to account by all ; 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed ; and so he will fall on his face and worship God , declaring that God is certainly among you.
26 What is the outcome then , brethren ? When you assemble , each one has a psalm , has a teaching , has a revelation , has a tongue , has an interpretation . Let all things be done for edification . 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue , it should be by two or at the most three , and each in turn , and one must interpret ; 28 but if there is no interpreter , he must keep silent in the church ; and let him speak to himself and to God . 29 Let two or three prophets speak , and let the others pass judgment . 30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated , the first one must keep silent . 31 For you can all prophesy one e by one e , so that all may learn and all may be exhorted ; 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets ; 33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace , as in all the churches of the saints .
34 The women are to keep silent in the churches ; for they are not permitted to speak , but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says . 35 If they desire to learn anything , let them ask their own husbands at home ; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church .
36 Was it from you that the word of God first went forth ? Or has it come to you only ? 37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual , let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment . 38 But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized . 39 Therefore , my brethren , desire earnestly to prophesy , and do not forbid to speak in tongues . 40 But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner .
