² If anyone speaks in tongues, he is speaking not to men but to God, and no one understands him, for he is speaking mysteries in the Spirit. ³ On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to men for their building up, their encouragement, and their consolation.

⁴ Whoever speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but whoever prophesies builds up the Church. ⁵ I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would much prefer that you could prophesy. For the one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless the latter can interpret what he is saying so that the Church may be built up.

⁶ Now suppose, brethren, that I should come to you and speak in tongues. Of what value would I be to you if you were unable to discern from my words any revelation or knowledge or prophecy or instruction? ⁷ Even inanimate things produce sound, such as a flute or a harp. If they do not produce distinct notes, how can anyone tell what tune is being played?

⁸ Or again, if the bugle call is unclear, who will get ready for battle? ⁹ Similarly, if you speak in tongues and your speech is unintelligible, how will anyone be able to understand what you are saying? For you will be talking to empty air.

¹⁰ There are many different languages that are used in the world, and none of them is without meaning. ¹¹ But if I do not comprehend the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and he will be a foreigner to me. ¹² Since you are eager to acquire spiritual gifts, try to excel in those that build up the Church.

¹³ Therefore, anyone who speaks in tongues should pray for the ability to interpret. ¹⁴ For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit is at prayer but my mind derives no benefit. ¹⁵ What then should I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

¹⁶ If you are praising only with the spirit, how will the uninstructed person who is present be able to answer “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not comprehend what you are saying? ¹⁷ Your thanksgiving may be inspiring, but the other person has not been edified.

¹⁸ I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you, ¹⁹ but when I am in the church I would prefer to speak five intelligible words to instruct others rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

²⁰ Brethren, do not be childish in your thinking. Be like infants in regard to evil, but in your thinking be mature. ²¹ In the Law^[a] it is written,

²² Clearly, then, tongues are intended as a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is designed not for unbelievers but for believers.

²³ Therefore, if the whole Church has assembled and everyone is speaking in tongues, would not any uninstructed person or any unbeliever on entering conclude that you are all out of your minds?