Prophecy and Tongues

1FOLLOW after charity, be zealous for spiritual gifts; but rather that you may prophesy. 2For he that speaketh in a tongue, speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man heareth. Yet by the Spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3But he that prophesieth, speaketh to men unto edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4He that speaketh in a tongue, edifieth himself: but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church. 5And I would have you all to speak with tongues, but rather to prophesy. For greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh with tongues: unless perhaps he interpret, that the church may receive edification.

6But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in doctrine? 7Even things without life that give sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction of sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped ? 8For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle ? 9So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue plain speech, how shall it be known what is said ? For you shall be speaking into the air. 10There are, for example, so many kinds of tongues in this world; and none is without voice. 11If then I know not the power of the voice, I shall be to him to whom I speak a barbarian; and he that speaketh, a barbarian to me. 12So you also, forasmuch as you are zealous of spirits, seek to abound unto the edifying of the church.

13And therefore he that speaketh by a tongue, let him pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is without fruit. 15What is it then ? I will pray with the spirit, I will pray also with the understanding; I will sing with the spirit, I will sing also with the understanding. 16Else if thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that holdeth the place of the unlearned say, Amen, to thy blessing ? because he knoweth not what thou sayest. 17For thou indeed givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18I thank my God I speak with all your tongues. 19But in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also; than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20Brethren, do not become children in sense: but in malice be children, and in sense be perfect. 21In the law it is written: In other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; and neither so will they hear me, saith the Lord. 22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to believers, but to unbelievers; but prophecies not to unbelievers, but to believers. 23If therefore the whole church come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in unlearned persons or infidels, will they not say that you are mad ? 24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or an unlearned person, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all. 25The secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so, falling down on his face, he will adore God, affirming that God is among you indeed.

Orderly Worship

26How is it then, brethren ? When you come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation: let all things be done to edification. 27If any speak with a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and in course, and let one interpret. 28But if there be no interpreter, let him hold his peace in the church, and speak to himself and to God. 29And let the prophets speak, two or three; and let the rest judge. 30But if any thing be revealed to another sitting, let the first hold his peace. 31For you may all prophesy one by one; that all may learn, and all may be exhorted: 32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33For God is not the God of dissension, but of peace: as also I teach in all the churches of the saints.

34Let women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted them to speak, but to be subject, as also the law saith. 35But if they would learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is a shame for a woman to speak in the church. 36Or did the word of God come out from you ? Or came it only unto you ?

37If any seem to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him know the things that I write to you, that they are the commandments of the Lord. 38But if any man know not, he shall not be known.

39Wherefore, brethren, be zealous to prophesy; and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40But let all things be done decently, and according to order.