1. Follow the way of love. You should also want the gifts the Holy Spirit gives. Most of all, you should want the gift of prophecy.
2. Anyone who speaks in a language he had not known before doesn't speak to people. He speaks only to God. In fact, no one understands that person. What he says with his spirit remains a mystery.
3. But anyone who prophesies speaks to people. He says things to make them stronger, to give them hope and to comfort them.
4. Those who speak in other languages build themselves up. But those who prophesy build up the church.
5. I would like all of you to speak in other languages. But I would rather have you prophesy. Those who prophesy are more helpful than those who speak in other languages. But that is not the case if those who speak in other languages explain what they have said. Then the whole church can be built up.
6. Brothers and sisters, suppose I were to come to you and speak in other languages. What good would I be to you? None! I would need to come with new truth or knowledge, or a prophecy or a teaching.
7. Here are some examples. Certain objects make sounds. Take a flute or a harp. No one will know what the tune is unless different notes are played.