1 Corinthians 14

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1. 1Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
2. 2For anyone who speaks in an unknown language speaks not to people but to God. No one understands that person; in the spirit, that person speaks mysteries.
3. 3But the person who prophesies speaks directly to people, building them up, encouraging them, and bringing them comfort.
4. 4Speaking in an unknown tongue builds up the speaker, but prophesying builds up the whole church.
5. 5I wish all of you could speak in tongues, but I'd much rather you prophesied. The person who prophesies does something greater than the one who speaks in tongues — unless that person also interprets what they've said, so the church can be built up.
6. 6Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what benefit will it be to you unless I speak to you by revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching?
7. 7Consider even lifeless instruments like a flute or a harp. If they don't produce distinct notes, how will anyone recognize the melody being played?
8. 8And if a trumpet blasts an unclear signal, who's going to get ready for battle?
9. 9It's the same with you. If the words coming out of your mouth aren't easy to understand, how will anyone know what you're saying? You'll just be talking into thin air.
10. 10There are countless languages in the world, and every one of them carries meaning.
11. 11So if I do not understand the meaning of the language, I will be like a barbarian to the speaker, and the speaker will be like a barbarian to me.
12. 12Since you're eager for spiritual gifts, aim to excel in building up the church.
13. 13So anyone who speaks in an unknown tongue should pray for the ability to interpret what they've said.
14. 14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15. 15So what should I do? I'll pray with my spirit, and I'll also pray with my mind. I'll sing with my spirit, and I'll also sing with my mind.
16. 16Otherwise, when you bless with the spirit, how can someone who is unlearned say 'Amen' to your giving of thanks, since they do not understand what you are saying?
17. 17You are indeed giving thanks well, but the other person is not being edified.
18. 18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you.
19. 19But in a church gathering, I'd rather speak 5 words that people can understand — so I can actually teach them something — than 10,000 words in an unknown tongue.
20. 20Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children about this. When it comes to evil, be as innocent as babies — but in your thinking, be mature adults.
21. 21It's written in the Law: "Through people speaking foreign languages and through the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, and even then they won't listen to me," says the LORD.
22. 22So tongues are a sign not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers, but for believers.
23. 23If the whole church comes together in one place and all speak with tongues, and those who are unlearned or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are mad?
24. 24But if everyone is prophesying and an unbeliever or someone unlearned comes in, they will be convinced by all and judged by all.
25. 25The hidden things in their heart will be exposed. They'll fall facedown and worship God, declaring, "God is truly here among you!"
26. 26So what is the point, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edifying.
27. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, limit it to 2 or at most 3 people, and they should take turns. Someone must interpret.
28. 28If no interpreter is present, the tongue-speaker should stay silent in the church and speak only to themselves and to God.
29. 29Let 2 or 3 prophets speak, and let the others carefully evaluate what is said.
30. 30If someone else sitting there receives a revelation, the first speaker should stop and let them share.
31. 31You can all prophesy one at a time, so that everyone learns and everyone is encouraged.
32. 32The spirits of prophets are under the prophets' own control.
33. 33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
34. 34Women should remain silent in the churches. They aren't permitted to speak but should be in submission, as the Law also says.
35. 35If they want to learn something, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
36. 36What! Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones it reached?
37. 37If anyone considers themselves a prophet or spiritually gifted, they should recognize that what I'm writing to you is a commandment from the Lord.
38. 38But if anyone is ignorant, let that person be ignorant.
39. 39So, brothers and sisters, eagerly desire the gift of prophecy, and don't forbid speaking in tongues.
40. 40But make sure everything is done properly and in an orderly way.