Earnestly pursue - love and eagerly desire - spiritual gifts , - especially (the gift) of prophecy.
For he who speaks in a tongue vvv does not speak to men , but to God. Indeed , no one understands (him) ; - he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
But he who prophesies speaks to men (for their) edification , - encouragement , and comfort.
The (one who) speaks in a tongue edifies himself , but the (one who) prophesies edifies (the) church.
- I wish that all of you could speak in tongues , but {I would} rather have you prophesy. - He who prophesies (is) greater than (one who) speaks in tongues , unless ... ... he interprets so that the church may be edified.
Now , - brothers , if I come to you speaking in tongues , how will I benefit you , unless ... I (bring) you - - (some) Revelation - or - knowledge or - prophecy or - teaching ?
Even in the case of - lifeless instruments ... , such as (the) flute or harp , how will (anyone) recognize (the tune) ... ... ... ... they are playing unless ... the notes are distinct ?
Again ... , if (the) trumpet sounds a muffled call , who will prepare for battle ?
So (it is) with you. Unless ... you speak intelligible words with (your) tongue , how will (anyone) know what you are saying ? vvv You will ( just ) be speaking into (the) air.
vvv Assuredly , there are many different languages in (the) world , yet none (of them is) without meaning.
If , then , vvv I do not know the meaning of someone’s language , I am a foreigner to the speaker , and vvv (he is) a foreigner to me.
It is the same ... with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts , strive ... to excel (in gifts that) build up the church.
Therefore , the (one who) speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.
For if I pray in a tongue , my - spirit prays , but my - mind is unfruitful.
What then (shall I do) ? I will pray with (my) spirit , but vvv I will also pray with (my) mind. I will sing with (my) spirit , but vvv I will also sing with (my) mind.
Otherwise , if you speak a blessing in spirit , how {can} (someone) vvv vvv vvv vvv who is uninstructed say - “ Amen ” to your - thanksgiving , since he does not know ... what you are saying ?
You {may} be giving thanks vvv vvv well enough , but the other one vvv is not edified.
I thank - God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
But in (the) church , I would rather speak five vvv vvv coherent words to - instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Brothers , stop - thinking vvv like children. - In (regard to) evil be infants , but in (your) thinking be mature.
It is written in the Law : - “ By strange tongues and - foreign lips I will speak to this - people , (but) even then they will {not} listen to Me , says (the) Lord.”
Tongues , then , - are - a sign , not for believers , but for unbelievers. - - Prophecy , however , (is) for believers , not for unbelievers.
So if the whole church comes together ... ... and everyone speaks in tongues , and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in , vvv will they not say that you are out of your minds ?
But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying , he will be convicted - - (and) called to account by all ,
(and) the secrets of his heart will be made known. So ... he will fall vvv facedown (and) worship - God , proclaiming - - , “ God is truly among you ! ”
What then (shall we say) , brothers ? When you come together , everyone has a Psalm - (or) a teaching , - a Revelation - , - a tongue , (or) an interpretation. All (of these) must be done to build up ( the church ).
If anyone speaks in a tongue , two , or (at) most three , (should speak) - in turn , and someone must interpret.
But if there is no interpreter , he should remain silent in (the) church and speak (only) to himself and - God.
- Two or three prophets should speak , and the others should weigh carefully (what is said).
And if a Revelation - comes to someone who is seated , the first (speaker) should stop.
For you can all prophesy in (turn) so that everyone may be instructed and - encouraged.
- (The) spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.
For (God) is not - a God of disorder , but of peace — as in all the churches of the saints.
- Women are to be silent in the churches. - vvv They are not permitted to speak , but must be in submission , as the law - says.
- If they wish to inquire about something , they are to ask (their) own husbands at home ; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in (the) church.
{Did} the word - of God originate with you ? Or - (are) you the only (ones) it has reached ?
If anyone considers (himself) a prophet or spiritual person , let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is (the) Lord’s command.
But if anyone ignores this , he himself will be ignored.
So , my brothers , be eager - to prophesy , and {do} not forbid - speaking in tongues.
But everything must be done in a proper and vvv orderly (manner).