Love is patient,(A) love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.(B) It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,(C) it is not easily angered,(D) it keeps no record of wrongs.(E) Love does not delight in evil(F) but rejoices with the truth.(G) It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.(H)

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies,(I) they will cease; where there are tongues,(J) they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part(K) and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes,(L) what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood(M) behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror;(N) then we shall see face to face.(O) Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.(P)

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.(Q) But the greatest of these is love.(R)

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Intelligibility in Worship

14 Follow the way of love(A) and eagerly desire(B) gifts of the Spirit,(C) especially prophecy.(D) For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a](E) does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them;(F) they utter mysteries(G) by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,(H) encouraging(I) and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue(J) edifies(K) themselves, but the one who prophesies(L) edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[b] but I would rather have you prophesy.(M) The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[c] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.(N)

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:2 Or in another language; also in verses 4, 13, 14, 19, 26 and 27
  2. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
  3. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39

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