⁵ Now I would like all of you to speak in tongues but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.^(A)

¹⁰ to another the working of powerful deeds, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.^(A)

³ But those who prophesy speak to other people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.^{(A) 4} Those who speak in a tongue build up themselves, but those who prophesy build up the church.

The Gift of Love

13 If I speak in the tongues of humans and of angels but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

¹⁷ And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

¹⁸ I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you; ¹⁹ nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

²⁰ Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking; rather, be infants in evil, but in thinking be adults.^{(A) 21} In the law it is written,

says the Lord.^{(B) 22} Tongues, then, are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers. ²³ If, therefore, the entire church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your mind?^{(C) 24} But if all prophesy, an unbeliever or outsider who enters is reproved by all and called to account by all. ²⁵ After the secrets of the unbeliever’s heart are disclosed, that person will bow down before God and worship, declaring, “God is really among you.”

Orderly Worship

²⁶ What should be done then, my brothers and sisters? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.^{(D) 27} If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three and each in turn, and let one interpret. ²⁸ But if there is no one to interpret, let them be silent in church and speak to themselves and to God. ²⁹ Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. ³⁰ If someone sitting receives a revelation, let the first person be silent. ³¹ For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged ³² (and the spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets, ³³ for God is a God not of disorder but of peace), as in all the churches of the saints.

³⁴ Women should be silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak but should be subordinate, as the law also says.^{(E) 35} If there is something they want to learn, let them ask their husbands at home.^[a] For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.^{[b] 36} Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones it has reached?

³⁷ Anyone who claims to be a prophet or spiritual must acknowledge that what I am writing to you is a command^[c] of the Lord.^{(F) 38} Anyone who does not recognize this is not to be recognized. ³⁹ So, my brothers and sisters, strive to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues,^{(G) 40} but all things should be done decently and in order.

¹² So with yourselves: since you are striving after spiritual gifts, seek to excel in them for building up the church.

¹³ Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret.

Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues

14 Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts and especially that you may prophesy.^(A)

⁴ Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant^(A)