1 Corinthians 14:26-40

26What then is the right course, believers? When you meet together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation (disclosure of special knowledge), a tongue, or an interpretation. Let everything be constructive and edifying and done for the good of all the church.

27If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be limited to two or at the most three, and each one speaking in turn, and one must interpret [what is said].

28But if there is no one to interpret, the one [who wishes to speak in a tongue] must keep silent in church; let him speak to himself and to God.

29Let two or three prophets speak [as inspired by the Holy Spirit], while the rest pay attention and weigh carefully what is said.

30But if an inspired revelation is made to another who is seated, then the first one must be silent.

31For [in this way] you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may be instructed and everyone may be encouraged;

32for the spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets [the prophecy is under the speaker’s control, and he can stop speaking];

33for God [who is the source of their prophesying] is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order. As [is the practice] in all the churches of the saints (God’s people),

34the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not authorized to speak, but are to take a subordinate place, as the Law says.

35If there is anything they want to learn [that is, if they have questions about anything being said or taught], they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to talk in church.

36Did the word of the Lord originate from you [Corinthians], or has it come to you only [so that you know best what God requires]?

37If anyone thinks and claims that he is a prophet [a true spokesman for God] or spiritually astute [filled with and energized by the Holy Spirit], let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment.

38If anyone does not recognize this [that it is a command of the Lord], he is not recognized [by God].

39Therefore, believers, desire earnestly to prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people], and do not forbid speaking in unknown tongues.

40But all things must be done appropriately and in an orderly manner.