1 Corinthians 14:1-12

Christian Standard Bible

Prophecy: A Superior Gift

14 Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. ² For the person who speaks in a tongue^[a](A) is not speaking to people but to God, since no one understands him; he speaks mysteries in the Spirit.^{[b] 3} On the other hand, the person who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,^[c] encouragement, and consolation. ⁴ The person who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. ⁵ I wish all of you spoke in tongues,^[d] but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up.

⁶ So now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you with a revelation^(B) or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? ⁷ Even lifeless instruments that produce sounds—whether flute or harp^(C)—if they don’t make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized? ⁸ In fact, if the bugle makes an unclear sound, who will prepare for battle?^{(D) 9} In the same way, unless you use your tongue for intelligible speech, how will what is spoken be known? For you will be speaking into the air. ¹⁰ There are doubtless many different kinds of languages in the world, none is without meaning. ¹¹ Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner^[e] to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me. ¹² So also you—since you are zealous^(E) for spiritual gifts,^[f](F) seek to excel in building up the church.