8. If a bugle call isn't clear, how would you know to get ready for battle?
9. That's how it is when you speak unknown languages. If no one can understand what you are talking about, you will only be talking to the wind.
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.
20. My friends, stop thinking like children. Think like mature people and be as innocent as tiny babies.
21. In the Scriptures the Lord says,“I will use strangerswho speak unknown languagesto talk to my people.They will speak to themin foreign languages,but still my peoplewon't listen to me.”
22. Languages that others don't know may mean something to unbelievers, but not to the Lord's followers. Prophecy, on the other hand, is for followers, not for unbelievers.
23. Suppose everyone in your worship service started speaking unknown languages, and some outsiders or some unbelievers come in. Won't they think you are mad?
24. But suppose all of you are prophesying when those unbelievers and outsiders come in. They will realize that they are sinners, and they will want to change their ways because of what you are saying.