Thematic Bible: Sometimes abused
Thematic Bible
Language » Power of speaking different » Sometimes abused
If, therefore, the whole assembly comes together, and all are speaking with tongues, and there come in those who are unlearned or unbelieving, will they not say that ye are mad?
For he that speaks in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he that prophesies speaks to men to edification and exhortation and comfort. He that speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the assembly. read more.
Now I wish you all to speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy; and greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interpret, that the assembly may receive edifying. And now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you, either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophesying, or in teaching? Even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, if they give no distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For even if a trumpet give an uncertain sound, who will prepare for war? So also ye, unless through the tongue ye give intelligible speech, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking into the air! There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and no one of them is without signification. If, then, I know not the meaning of the voice, I will be to him who is speaking a barbarian; and he that is speaking, a barbarian to me. So also ye, since ye are eager for spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound in them with a view to the edification of the assembly.
Now I wish you all to speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy; and greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interpret, that the assembly may receive edifying. And now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you, either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophesying, or in teaching? Even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, if they give no distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For even if a trumpet give an uncertain sound, who will prepare for war? So also ye, unless through the tongue ye give intelligible speech, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking into the air! There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and no one of them is without signification. If, then, I know not the meaning of the voice, I will be to him who is speaking a barbarian; and he that is speaking, a barbarian to me. So also ye, since ye are eager for spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound in them with a view to the edification of the assembly.