1 Corinthians 14

1Follow after charity and earnestly pursue spiritual [gifts], but above all, that ye may prophesy. 2For he that speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God, for no one understands [him], even though by the Spirit he speaks mysteries. 3But he that prophesies speaks unto men [for] edification and exhortation and comfort. 4He that speaks in an [unknown] tongue edifies himself, but he that prophesies edifies the church. 5I would that ye all spoke with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied, for greater [is] he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interprets, that the church may receive edifying. 6Now, brothers, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either with revelation or with knowledge or with prophecy or with doctrine? 7And even things without life giving sound, whether flute or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is played or harped? 8For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue a clear and definite word, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 10There are many kinds of distinct voices in the world, and nothing [is] dumb. 11Therefore, if I ignore the virtue of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaks [as] a barbarian, and he that speaks [shall be] a barbarian unto me. 12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye desire [the things] of [the] Spirit, earnestly pursue excellence unto the edification of the church. 13Therefore, let him that speaks in an [unknown] tongue pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the place of the ignorant say, Amen, at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what thou sayest? 17For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all; 19yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue. 20Brothers, be not children in understanding, howbeit in malice be ye children; but in understanding be perfect. 21In the law it is written, In other tongues and with other lips I will speak unto this people; and yet for all that, they will not hear me, saith the Lord. 22Therefore, tongues are for a sign, not to those that believe, but to those that do not believe; but prophecy is not for those that do not believe, but for those who believe. 23If, therefore, the whole church is come together into one place and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that does not believe or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all; 25for the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face, he will worship God, declaring that God is indeed in you. 26How is it then, brothers? when ye come together, each one of you has a psalm, has doctrine, has tongues, has revelation, has interpretation. Let all things be done unto edification. 27If anyone speaks in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret. 28But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the others judge. 30If [any thing] is revealed to another that sits by, let the first be silent. 31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted. 32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33For God is not [the God] of disorder, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34Let your women keep silence in the churches, for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be in subjection, as also saith the law. 35And if they desire to learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is a dishonest thing for women to speak in [the] congregation. 36What? Did the word of God come out from you? or did it come unto you only? 37If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38But anyone that ignores [them] shall be ignored. 39Therefore, brothers, earnestly pursue prophecy and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40But let all things be done decently and in order.: