1 Corinthians 14:6-12

New Matthew Bible

⁶ Now brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, how do I profit you, unless I speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by instruction?

⁷ Moreover, when things without life give sound, whether it be a pipe or a harp, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how can it be known what is piped or harped? ⁸ And also, if the trumpet gives an uncertain call, who will prepare himself to fight? ⁹ So also likewise, when you speak with tongues, unless you speak words that have meaning, how can it be understood what is spoken? For you will be but speaking in the air.

¹⁰ Many kinds of voices are in the world, and none of them are without signification. ¹¹ If I do not know what the voice means, I will be as a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. ¹² So then, since you covet spiritual gifts, seek to have them in plenty for the edifying of the congregation.