1 Corinthians 14
1Pursue after love; and desire earnestly the spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
2For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but with the spirit he speaks mysteries.
3But he that prophesies, to men he speaks edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church.
5I would that ye should all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy; for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edification.
6And now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophesying, or in teaching?
7And things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, yet if they give no distinction in the sounds, how shall that be known which is piped or harped?
8For if a trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for battle?
9So also ye, if ye utter not by the tongue words easily understood, how shall that be known which is spoken? For ye will be speaking into the air.
10So many, it may be, are the kinds of speaking sounds in the world, and none is without significance.
11If then I know not the meaning of the sound, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks a barbarian to me.
12So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound in them to the edification of the church.
13Wherefore let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15What then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16Else, if thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the place of the unlearned say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, since he knows not what thou sayest?
17For thou indeed givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18I thank God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.
19Yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may also instruct others, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20Brethren, be not children in your understandings; but in malice be as children, but in your understandings be men.
21In the law it is written: For with men of other tongues, and with strange lips, I will speak to this people; And not even so will they hearken to me, saith the Lord.
22So that the tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelieving; but prophesying is not for the unbelieving, but for those who believe.
23If therefore the whole church is come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that is an unbeliever, or unlearned, he is convicted by all, he is judged by all.
25The secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so falling on his face he will worship God, reporting that God is in truth among you.
26How is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each of you has a psalm, has an instruction, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to edification.
27If any one speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and in turn; and let one interpret.
28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29And of prophets, let two or three speak, and the others judge.
30But if a revelation be made to another sitting by, let the first be silent.
31For ye can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all be comforted.
32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
34Let your women keep silence in the churches; for it is not permitted to them to speak, but they are to be in subjection, as the law also says.
35And if they wish to learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home; for it is a shame for a woman to speak in the church.
36Did the word of God come forth from you? Or came it unto you alone?
37If any one thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandments.
38But if any one is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39Wherefore, brethren, desire earnestly the gift of prophecy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40But let all things be done decently and in order.