1 Corinthians 14:6-12

New English Translation

⁶ Now, brothers and sisters,^[a] if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I help you unless I speak to you with a revelation or with knowledge or prophecy or teaching? ⁷ It is similar for lifeless things that make a sound, like a flute or harp. Unless they make a distinction in the notes, how can what is played on the flute or harp be understood? ⁸ If, for example, the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will get ready for battle? ⁹ It is the same for you. If you do not speak clearly with your tongue, how will anyone know what is being said? For you will be speaking into the air. ¹⁰ There are probably many kinds of languages in the world, and none is without meaning. ¹¹ If then I do not know the meaning of a language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. ¹² It is the same with you. Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit,^[b] seek to abound in order to strengthen the church.