Thematic Bible: Sometimes abused
Thematic Bible
Language » Power of speaking different » Sometimes abused
Therefore if the whole church has come together, and all speak in languages, and if uninstructed ones or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you rave?
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. For no one hears, but in spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks to men for building up, and exhortation, and comfort. The one speaking in a tongue builds himself up, but he prophesying builds up a church. read more.
I wish all of you to speak in languages, but rather that you may prophesy; for greater is he prophesying than he speaking in tongues, unless he interpret so that the church may receive building up. But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you, except I speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching? Yet lifeless things giving a sound, whether flute or harp, if they do not give a distinction in the sound, how will it be known what is being piped or harped? For also if a trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle? So also you, if you do not give a clear word through the language, how will it be known what is being said? For you will be speaking into the air. So it may be many kinds of sounds are in the world, and not one is without a distinct sound. Therefore if I do not know the power of the sound, I will be a foreigner to him speaking, and he speaking will be a foreigner to me. Even so you, since you are zealots of spiritual things, seek to build up the church, in order that you may abound
I wish all of you to speak in languages, but rather that you may prophesy; for greater is he prophesying than he speaking in tongues, unless he interpret so that the church may receive building up. But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you, except I speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching? Yet lifeless things giving a sound, whether flute or harp, if they do not give a distinction in the sound, how will it be known what is being piped or harped? For also if a trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle? So also you, if you do not give a clear word through the language, how will it be known what is being said? For you will be speaking into the air. So it may be many kinds of sounds are in the world, and not one is without a distinct sound. Therefore if I do not know the power of the sound, I will be a foreigner to him speaking, and he speaking will be a foreigner to me. Even so you, since you are zealots of spiritual things, seek to build up the church, in order that you may abound