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[1] FOLLOW after love, and desire spiritual gifts, above all that you may prophesy.
[2] For he who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God; for no man understands what he says; however through the Spirit he speaks mysteries.
[3] But he who prophesies speaks to men for edification, encouragement, and comfort.
[4] He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he who prophesies edifies the church.
[5] I would that you all spoke various tongues, but I would rather that you prophesied: for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks various tongues, unless he interpret; however, if he interpret it, he edifies the church.
[6] Now, my brethren, if I should come to you and speak in diverse tongues, what would I profit you, except I speak to you either by means of revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying or by teaching?
[7] For even when things without life, giving sound, whether flute or harp, except they make a distinction between one tone and another, how shall it be known what is sung or played?
[8] For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for the battle?
[9] Even so you, except you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what you say? you shall speak as into the air.
[10] For, behold, there are many kinds of speech in the world, yet none of them are without expression.
[11] So if I do not understand the utterance, I shall be as a barbarian to the speaker, and the speaker shall be as a barbarian to me.
[12] Likewise you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, seek that you may excel in these gifts.
[13] Thus he who speaks in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret it.
[14] For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my knowledge is fruitless.
[15] What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, and I will pray with my understanding also: I will sing with my spirit, and I will sing with my understanding also.
[16] Otherwise, if you say a blessing with the spirit, how can one who occupies the place of the unlearned say Amen to your thanksgiving, since he does not understand what you say?
[17] For indeed you bless well, but your fellow man is not enlightened.
[18] I thank God, that I speak with tongues more than you all:
[19] But in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, so that I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
[20] My brethren, be not like infants in your intelligence, only to evil things be like children, but in your understanding be mature.
[21] In the law it is written, With a foreign speech, and in another tongue, I will speak to this people; yet for all that, they will not listen to me, says the LORD.
[22] Thus, the gift of languages is instituted as a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers: but prophesying is meant, not for those who do not believe, but for those who believe.
[23] If therefore the whole church assembles together and all speak in different tongues and there enter unlearned people or unbelievers, will they not say, They are fanatical?
[24] But if all prophesy, and an unlearned man or an unbeliever enter, he will be convinced by all, and he will be set right by all.
[25] Thus the secrets of his heart will be revealed, and then he will fall on his face, and he will worship God and say, Truly God is among you.
[26] Therefore I say to you, my brethren, when you gather together, whoever among you has a psalm to sing, has a doctrine, has a revelation, has the gift of tongues, or the gift of interpretation, let everything be done for edification.
[27] And if any man should speak in an unknown tongue, let two or at most three speak, and speak one by one; and let one interpret.
[28] But if there is no one to interpret, let him who speaks in an unknown tongue keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.
[29] Let the prophets speak two or three in turn, and let the others discern what is said.
[30] And if anything is revealed to another who is seated, let the first speaker hold his peace.
[31] For you may all prophesy one by one, so that every one may learn, and every one be comforted.
[32] For the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
[33] For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, and he is in all churches of the saints.
[34] Let your women keep silent in the church for they have no permission to speak; but they are to be under obedience as is said in the law.
[35] And if they wish to learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home; for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
[36] What? Did the word of God come from you? or did it come for you only?
[37] If any one among you thinks he is a prophet, or that he is inspired by the Spirit, let him acknowledge that these things that I write to you are the commandments of our LORD.
[38] But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
[39] Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not prohibit speaking in unknown tongues.
[40] Let all things be done decently and in order.
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