Prophecy and Tongues
1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, especially prophesy.2 Because whoever speaks an unknown language doesn't speak to humans, but to God, because no one understands him. He speaks in the spirit, but its only mysteries.
3 But he that prophesies benefits, encourages, and comforts others.
4 Whoever speaks in an unknown language benefits himself, but if he prophesies he benefits the church.
5 I wish all of you spoke with unknown languages, but even more that you prophesied, because its better to prophesy than to speak with unknown languages, unless you interpret so that the whole congregation can benefit.
6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking with unknown languages, what good does it do you? But if I tell you about a revelation, or give you new knowledge, or prophesy, or teach you something, that's different.
7 Take, for example, lifeless things like flutes or harps. How is anyone supposed to know what song is being played unless they hit the right notes?
8 And if the trumpet doesn't give a clear sound, how will the soldiers now it's time to charge into battle?
9 In the same way, unless you say things in a language that is understood by those around you, how will anyone know what you are saying?
10 Certainly, there are many kinds of languages in the world, and all of them make sense when spoken (to someone who speaks that language).
11 In the same way, if I don't know the language being spoken, the speaker and I are like foreigners to each other.
12 And so, since you want spiritual gifts, focus on the ones that will build up the church.
13 If someone speaks in an unknown language, let him pray that he may receive the interpretation.
14 If I pray in an unknown language, my spirit prays, but it doesn't do my mind any good.
15 So what should I do? I will pray both in the spirit and with understanding. I will sing both in the spirit and with understanding.
16 Or else when you are praising God with the spirit, how can anyone else join in, since they don't understand what you are saying?
17 It's great for you to give thanks, but it doesn't do anyone else any good.
18 I thank my God, I speak with unknown languages more than anyone.
19 Yet when I am in a church meeting I would rather speak five words that are understood, so I can teach others, than ten thousand words in an unknown language.
20 Brothers and sisters, don't be think childishly. Be mature in your thinking, but as innocent as babies concerning evil.
21 It is written in scripture, ' "I will speak to this people with foreigners and strange languages, yet they will not listen," says the Master.' (Isaiah 28:11)
22 And so, unknown languages are not a sign for those who believe [in Jesus], but for those who don't believe. Prophesying, however, is a sign for those who believe, not those who don't believe.
23 If, then, the whole church is gathered together in one place, and everyone speaks with unknown languages, and someone comes in who is unlearned [in the scriptures], or who isn't a believer, won't they say you are crazy?
24 But if everyone is prophesying, and someone comes in who is an unbeliever or doesn't know the scriptures, he will be convicted of his sin, and measured by it all.
25 And in this way the secrets of his heart will be displayed, and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is truly in you.
Orderly Worship
26 So what's the point? When you have a meeting, someone will have a song to sing, someone will teach, someone speak in unknown languages and someone will interpret, someone will share a special revelation from God. Whatever you do, let it all be done to build up the church.
27 Only two or three should speak in an unknown tongue, one at a time, and someone should interpret.
28 If there is no interpreter, they should stay quiet, speaking only to themselves and God.
29 Let only two or three prophets speak, and let the others evaluate what was said.
30 If someone else receives a revelation, then the first speaker should be quiet.
31 Because you can all prophesy one by one, so that all can learn, and all can be comforted.
32 Those who prophesy can control their spirits and take turns.
33 Because God [The I Am] is not a God of disorder, but of peace.
Like in all the meetings of the believers,
34Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40Let all things be done decently and in order.
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