1 Corinthians 14:2-19

2For he that speaks with a tongue does not speak to men but to 1God: for no one hears; but in spirit he speaks mysteries.

3But he that prophesies speaks to men [in] edification, and encouragement, and consolation.

4He that speaks with a tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies [the] assembly.

5Now I desire that ye should all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy. But greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interpret, that the assembly may receive edification.

6And now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I shall speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching?

7Even lifeless things giving a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they give not distinction to the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

8For also, if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for war?

9Thus also ye with the tongue, unless ye give a distinct speech, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking to the air.

10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of undistinguishable sound.

11If therefore I do not know the power of the sound, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks a barbarian for me.

12Thus ye also, since ye are desirous of spirits, seek that ye may abound for the edification of the assembly.

13Wherefore let him that speaks with a tongue pray that he may interpret.

14For if I pray with a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray also with the understanding; I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing also with the understanding.

16Since otherwise, if thou blessest with [the] spirit, how shall he who fills the place of the simple [Christian] say Amen, at thy giving of thanks, since he does not know what thou sayest?

17For thou indeed givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18I thank 2God I speak in a tongue more than all of you:

19but in [the] assembly I desire to speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also, [rather] than ten thousand words in a tongue.