12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit,(A) try to excel in those that build up(B) the church.

13 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.(C) 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays,(D) but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit,(E) but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing(F) with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer,[a] say “Amen”(G) to your thanksgiving,(H) since they do not know what you are saying?

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:16 The Greek word for inquirer is a technical term for someone not fully initiated into a religion; also in verses 23 and 24.

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