1 Corinthians 14:3-19

New International Version

³ But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,^(A) encouraging^(B) and comfort. ⁴ Anyone who speaks in a tongue^(C) edifies^(D) themselves, but the one who prophesies^(E) edifies the church. ⁵ I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,^[a] but I would rather have you prophesy.^(F) The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,^[b] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.^(G)

⁶ Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation^(H) or knowledge^(I) or prophecy or word of instruction?^{(J) 7} Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? ⁸ Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?^{(K) 9} So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. ¹⁰ Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. ¹¹ If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me.^{(L) 12} So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit,^(M) try to excel in those that build up^(N) the church.

¹³ For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.^{(O) 14} For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays,^(P) but my mind is unfruitful. ¹⁵ So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit,^(Q) but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing^(R) with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. ¹⁶ Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer,^[c] say “Amen”^(S) to your thanksgiving,^(T) since they do not know what you are saying? ¹⁷ You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.^(U)

¹⁸ I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. ¹⁹ But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.^(V)