10. There are many different languages in this world, and all of them make sense.
11. But if I don't understand the language that someone is using, we will be like foreigners to each other.
12. If you really want spiritual gifts, choose the ones that will be most helpful to the church.
13. When we speak languages that others don't know, we should pray for the power to explain what we mean.
14. For example, if I use an unknown language in my prayers, my spirit prays but my mind is useless.
15. Then what should I do? There are times when I should pray with my spirit, and times when I should pray with my mind. Sometimes I should sing with my spirit, and at other times I should sing with my mind.
16. Suppose some strangers are in your worship service, when you are praising God with your spirit. If they don't understand you, how will they know to say, “Amen”?
17. You may be worshipping God in a wonderful way, but no one else will be helped.
18. I thank God that I speak unknown languages more than any of you.
19. But words that make sense can help the church. That's why in church I had rather speak five words that make sense than to speak ten thousand words in a language that others don't know.