1 Corinthians 14:2-19

2For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to people but to God—for no one understands, but in the Ruach he speaks mysteries.

3But one who prophesies speaks to people for building up, urging on, and uplifting.

4One who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but one who prophesies builds up the community.

5Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues—unless he interprets, so that the community may be built up.

6But now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you—unless I speak to you by way of revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

7It is the same for lifeless things that make a sound—like a flute or a harp. If they make no distinction in the tones, how will what is played be recognized?

8For if the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will prepare himself for battle?

9So also with you with your tongue—unless you utter speech that is intelligible, how will what is spoken be understood? For you will be talking to the wind!

10It may be that there are many kinds of languages in the world—and none without meaning.

11If then I do not understand the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me.

12Likewise with you—since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, keep trying to excel for the building up of the community.

13Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

15What is it then? I will pray in my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing praises with my spirit, and I will also sing praises with my mind.

16Otherwise if you give thanks and praise in the spirit, how will one filling the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he has no idea what you’re saying?

17For you certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up.

18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

19However, in Messiah’s community I would rather speak five words with my mind, so I may also instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.