Old/New Testament
14 1 Be pursuing[a] love.
Be Zealous For Spiritual Gifts, But Especially To Prophesy And Edify The Church
Now be zealous-for the spiritual gifts, but even-more[b] that you might be prophesying. 2 For the one speaking in a tongue is not speaking[c] to people, but to God— for no one hears[d], but he speaks mysteries[e] with his spirit[f]. 3 But the one prophesying is speaking edification and exhortation and consolation[g] to people. 4 The one speaking in a tongue is edifying himself [h], but the one prophesying is edifying the church. 5 And I wish[i] that you all were speaking in tongues, but even-more[j] that you might be prophesying. But[k] the one prophesying is greater[l] than one speaking in tongues— unless[m] he interprets in order that the church may receive edification.
Speaking In Tongues Is Just Speaking Into The Air Unless It Is Understood
6 But now[n], brothers, if I come to you speaking[o] in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either[p] by[q] a revelation or by knowledge or by a prophecy or by a teaching? 7 Likewise the lifeless things giving a sound— whether a flute or harp— if it does not give a distinction in the tones, how will the thing being fluted or the thing being harped be known? 8 For indeed, if a trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle? 9 So also you with the tongue— if you do not give a clear word, how will the thing being spoken be known? For you will be speaking into the air! 10 There are perhaps so-many kinds of spoken sounds[r] in the world, and none is meaningless. 11 If then I do not know the force of the spoken sound, I will be a barbarian to the one speaking, and the one speaking a barbarian with me. 12 So also[s] you— since you are zealots[t] for spiritual gifts, be seeking that you may abound for the edification of the church.
So In Church, Tongues Must Be Interpreted If The Hearers Are To Be Edified
13 Therefore let the one speaking in a tongue pray in order that he might interpret. 14 For if I am praying in a tongue, my spirit[u] is praying, but my mind[v] is unfruitful[w]. 15 What then[x] is to be done? I will pray with the spirit, and[y] I will also pray with the mind. I will sing-praise with the spirit, and I will also sing-praise with the mind. 16 Otherwise, if you are blessing[z] with your spirit[aa] [only], how will the one filling the place of the uninstructed[ab] say the “Amen” at your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you are giving-thanks well[ac]— but the other person is not being edified. 18 I give-thanks to God I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in church[ad], I want to speak five words with my mind in order that I might also instruct others, rather than ten-thousand words in a tongue.
Tongues Are a Sign For Unbelievers; Prophecy Is For Believers
20 Brothers, do not be children in your understanding. But be childlike in evilness, and be mature in your understanding.
Disciples' Literal New Testament: Serving Modern Disciples by More Fully Reflecting the Writing Style of the Ancient Disciples, Copyright © 2011 Michael J. Magill. All Rights Reserved. Published by Reyma Publishing