1. Follow after love, and be emulous of spiritual manifestations, but rather that ye may prophesy.
2. For he that speaks with a tongue does not speak to men but to God: for no one hears; but in spirit he speaks mysteries.
3. But he that prophesies speaks to men in edification, and encouragement, and consolation.
4. He that speaks with a tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the assembly.
5. Now I desire that ye should all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy. But greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interpret, that the assembly may receive edification.
6. And now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I shall speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching?
7. Even lifeless things giving a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they give not distinction to the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8. For also, if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for war?
9. Thus also ye with the tongue, unless ye give a distinct speech, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking to the air.
10. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of undistinguishable sound.
11. If therefore I do not know the power of the sound, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks a barbarian for me.
12. Thus ye also, since ye are desirous of spirits, seek that ye may abound for the edification of the assembly.
13. Wherefore let him that speaks with a tongue pray that he may interpret.
14. For if I pray with a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray also with the understanding; I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing also with the understanding.
16. Since otherwise, if thou blessest with the spirit, how shall he who fills the place of the simple Christian say Amen, at thy giving of thanks, since he does not know what thou sayest?