1 Corinthians 14:6-12

Holman Christian Standard Bible

⁶ But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in other languages, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you with a revelation^(A) or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? ⁷ Even inanimate things that produce sounds—whether flute or harp^(B)—if they don’t make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized? ⁸ In fact, if the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will prepare for battle?^{(C) 9} In the same way, unless you use your tongue for intelligible speech, how will what is spoken be known? For you will be speaking into the air. ¹⁰ There are doubtless many different kinds of languages in the world, and all have meaning.^{[a] 11} Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner^[b] to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me. ¹² So also you—since you are zealous^(D) for spiritual gifts,^[c](E) seek to excel in building up the church.