FIRST CORINTHIANS

First Corinthians 14

1 ¶ Follow the way of love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you might prophesy.

2 For he who speaks in an unknown language is speaking to God, not men: for no man understands him; but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.

3 But he who prophesies testifies of Christ speaking to men to strengthen, encourage, and comfort.

4 He who speaks in an unknown language edifies himself; but he who prophesies builds up the church.

5 I would like every one of you to speak other languages, but I would rather have you prophesy: for he who prophesies is more important than he who speaks in unknown languages, unless he translates, so that the church may be edified.

6 ¶ Now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in other languages, what good will it be to you, if my words do not convey some revelation, or knowledge, or prophecy, or doctrine?

7 Though lifeless instruments give sound, such as the flute or harp, unless their notes are clear and distinct, how will anyone know what tune is being played?

8 If the bugle gives an uncertain sound, who will get ready for battle?

9 Likewise, unless your tongue utters words that are easily understood, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will be speaking into the air.

10 There are, I suppose, many different languages in the world, and none of them is without sound.

11 Therefore if I do not know the meaning of the sound, I will be a foreigner to the one who speaks, and he will be a foreigner to me.

12 So it is with you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to abound to the edification of the church.

13 Therefore let him who speaks in an unknown language pray that he may translate what he says.

14 For if I pray in an unknown language, my spirit prays, but my mind is barren.

15 ¶ What then shall I do? 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.

16 Otherwise when you bless in the spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say Amen when you give thanks, seeing that he does not understand what you say?

17 There is nothing wrong with your giving of thanks, but the other person is not edified.

18 I thank God, that I speak in other languages more than all of you:

19 Yet in church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that by speaking I might teach others, than ten thousand words in an unknown language.

20 Brethren, stop thinking like children: when it comes to evil be as babes, but in understanding be men.

21 ¶ In the law it is written, With men of other languages and the lips of foreigners will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, says the Lord.

22 So then languages are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to those who do not believe: but prophesying is not for unbelievers, but for those who believe.

23 Therefore if the entire congregation comes together, and everyone speaks in other languages, and some come in who do not know those languages, or are unbelievers, will they not say that you are crazy?

24 But if all prophesy, and one who does not believe or does not understand comes in, he will be convicted of his sin by all, examined by all:

25 And the secrets of his heart will be revealed; and he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is truly among you.

26 ¶ Why is it then, brethren? that when you come together, every one of you has a psalm, has instruction, has a language, has insight into Scripture, has an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

27 If any man speaks in an unknown language, let two, or at the most three speak, each in turn; and let one translate.

28 But if there is no translator, let him keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

29 Two or three prophets should speak, while the others judge.

30 If one who is sitting down receives a revelation, let the first be silent.

31 For you may all prophesy one at a time, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33 For God is not the author of confusion and disorder, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

34 ¶ Let your women keep silent in the churches: for they are not permitted to speak; but are commanded to be under obedience, as the law also says.

35 And if they desire to learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

36 ¶ Did the word of God originate with you? or did it come to you alone?

37 If any man thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.

38 But if any man will not hear what I have said, refuse to hear him.

39 Therefore, brethren, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in other languages.

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

[Note: Compare verse three with Revelation 19:10.]