Words That Build Up

1Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual things, but especially that you may prophesy.

2For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, for no one understands; rather, he speaks mysteries in the Spirit.

3But the one who prophesies speaks to people for edification and encouragement and consolation.

4The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.

5I want all of you to speak in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edification.

6Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I benefit you unless I speak to you either by revelation or by knowledge or by prophecy or by teaching?

7Even lifeless things that produce sound—whether flute or harp—if they do not give a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or on the harp be recognized?

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

9So also with you: if through the tongue you do not give intelligible speech, how will what is spoken be understood? For you will be speaking into the air.

10There are perhaps many kinds of languages in the world, and none is without meaning.

11Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the voice, I will be a foreigner to the one speaking, and the one speaking will be a foreigner to me.

12So also you, since you are eager for spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the building up of the church.

13Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.

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

15What then is to be done? I will pray with the spirit, but I will also pray with the mind; I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will also sing praise with the mind.

16Otherwise, if you bless in the spirit, how will the one filling the place of the uninstructed say the Amen at your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?

17For you are indeed giving thanks well, but the other person is not built up.

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

19But in the church I would rather speak five words with my mind, so that I may also instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.