1. It is love, then, that you should strive for. Set your hearts on spiritual gifts, especially the gift of proclaiming God's message.
2. Those who speak in strange tongues do not speak to others but to God, because no one understands them. They are speaking secret truths by the power of the Spirit.
3. But those who proclaim God's message speak to people and give them help, encouragement, and comfort.
4. Those who speak in strange tongues help only themselves, but those who proclaim God's message help the whole church.
5. I would like all of you to speak in strange tongues; but I would rather that you had the gift of proclaiming God's message. For the person who proclaims God's message is of greater value than the one who speaks in strange tongues — unless there is someone present who can explain what is said, so that the whole church may be helped.
6. So when I come to you, my brothers and sisters, what use will I be to you if I speak in strange tongues? Not a bit, unless I bring you some revelation from God or some knowledge or some inspired message, or some teaching.
7. Take such lifeless musical instruments as the flute or the harp — how will anyone know the tune that is being played unless the notes are sounded distinctly?