1 Corinthians 14

1Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, most of all that you may prophesy.

2For whoever speaks in a tongue does not speak to humans but to God, for no one hears; but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.

3But whoever prophesies speaks to people for edification, exhortation, and comfort.

4The one speaking in a tongue builds himself up, but the one prophesying builds up the church.

5I want all of you to speak in tongues, but even more that you prophesy, since the one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues unless he interprets, so that the church receives edification.

6But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you by revelation or knowledge or prophesying or teaching?

7Even lifeless things that produce sound—whether flute or harp—if they do not give distinction in the notes, how will what is being piped or harped be known?

8For if the trumpet gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle?

9So you too, unless you utter clear words by the tongue, how will what is spoken be understood? For you will be speaking into the air.

10There may be so many kinds of sounds in the world, and none lacks meaning.

11Therefore if I do not know the meaning of the sound, I will be a barbarian to the one speaking, and the speaker a barbarian to me.

12So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to abound in building up the church.

13Therefore let the one speaking in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

15What then is it? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the mind; I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the mind.

16Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will the one occupying the layman's place say Amen at your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you say?

17For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not built up.

18I thank God; I speak in tongues more than all of you.

19But in church I prefer to speak five words with my mind, so that I might also teach others, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20Brothers, do not be children in understanding, but in malice be infants—in understanding be mature.

21In the law it is written: "With speakers of other tongues and by the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, and not even so will they heed me," says the Lord.

22So tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, but prophecy not for unbelievers but for believers.

23Therefore, if the whole church assembles in one place and all speak in tongues when untaught or unbelieving people come in, won't they say that you are out of your minds?

24But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider comes in, he is convicted by all and judged by all.

25Thus the secrets of his heart become evident, and falling on his face he will worship God, declaring that God is truly among you.

26Then what is it, brothers? Whenever you come together, each has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

27If someone speaks in a tongue, two or at most three, one by one; and let one interpret.

28But if no interpreter is present, let him stay silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God.

29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others discern.

30But if a revelation comes to another who is seated nearby, let the first be silent.

31For you all can prophesy one by one, so that all learn and all are encouraged.

32And prophets' spirits submit to prophets.

33For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

34Women should remain silent in the churches, for they are not allowed to speak; but let them submit, as the law also says.

35And if they want to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

36Or did the word of God go out from you? Or did it reach you alone?

37If anyone considers himself a prophet or a spiritual person, let him recognize that what I write to you is of the Lord.

38But if anyone ignores, he is ignored.

39So then, my brothers, desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

40But let all things be done properly and orderly.