Study Desk

For the one who ^(C1)speaks in a tongue does not speak to people, but to God; for no one ^(F1)understands, but ^(F2)in his spirit he speaks ^(C2)mysteries.

But the one who prophesies speaks to people for ^(C1)edification, ^(F1)(C2)exhortation, and consolation.

The one who ^(C1)speaks in a tongue ^(C2)edifies himself; but the one who ^(C3)prophesies ^(C2)edifies the church.

Now I wish that you all ^(C1)spoke in tongues, but ^(C2)rather that you would prophesy; and greater is the one who prophesies than the one who ^(C1)speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive ^(C3)edification.

But now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you either by way of ^(C1)revelation, or of ^(C2)knowledge, or of ^(C3)prophecy, or of ^(C4)teaching?

So you too, unless you produce intelligible speech by the tongue, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will just be ^(C1)talking to the air.

So if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be ^(C1)unintelligible to the one who speaks, and the one who speaks will be unintelligible ^(F1)to me.

Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue is to pray that he may interpret.

I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all;

nevertheless, in church I prefer to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

In ^(C1)the ^(F1)Law it is written: "^(C2)BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME," says the Lord.

Therefore if the whole church gathers together and all the people speak in tongues, and ^(F1)outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that ^(C1)you are insane?

If anyone speaks in a ^(C1)tongue, it must be by two or at the most three, and each one in turn, and one is to ^(C2)interpret;

but if there is no interpreter, he is to keep silent in church; and have him speak to himself and to God.

Have two or three ^(C1)prophets speak, and have the others ^(C2)pass judgment.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, ^(C1)earnestly desire to ^(C2)prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.