1 Corinthians 13:13-14:12
Prophecy and Tongues
14aPursue love, yet bearnestly desire cspiritual gifts, but especially that you may dprophesy. 2For one who aspeaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one 1understands, but 2in his spirit he speaks bmysteries. 3But one who prophesies speaks to men for aedification and bexhortation and encouragement. 4One who aspeaks in a tongue bedifies himself; but one who cprophesies dedifies the church. 5But I wish that you all aspoke in tongues, but beven more that you would prophesy. And greater is one who prophesies than one who cspeaks in tongues, unless he 1translates, so that the church may receive dedification.
6But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of arevelation or of bknowledge or of cprophecy or of dteaching? 7Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? 8For if athe trumpet produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? 9So also you, unless you utter by the tongue a word that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be aspeaking into the air. 10There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of sounds in the world, and none is without meaning. 11If then I do not know the meaning of the sound, I will be to the one who speaks a 1,abarbarian, and the one who speaks will be a 2barbarian 3to me. 12So also you, since you are zealous for 1spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the aedification of the church.