1FOLLOW after love, and desire spiritual gifts, above all that you may prophesy. 2For he who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God; for no man understands what he says; however through the Spirit he speaks mysteries. 3But he who prophesies speaks to men for edification, encouragement, and comfort. 4He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would that you all spoke various tongues, but I would rather that you prophesied: for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks various tongues, unless he interpret; however, if he interpret it, he edifies the church.

6Now, my brethren, if I should come to you and speak in diverse tongues, what would I profit you, except I speak to you either by means of revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying or by teaching? 7For even when things without life, giving sound, whether flute or harp, except they make a distinction between one tone and another, how shall it be known what is sung or played? 8For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for the battle? 9Even so you, except you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what you say? you shall speak as into the air. 10For, behold, there are many kinds of speech in the world, yet none of them are without expression. 11So if I do not understand the utterance, I shall be as a barbarian to the speaker, and the speaker shall be as a barbarian to me. 12Likewise you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, seek that you may excel in these gifts.

13Thus he who speaks in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret it. 14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my knowledge is fruitless. 15What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, and I will pray with my understanding also: I will sing with my spirit, and I will sing with my understanding also. 16Otherwise, if you say a blessing with the spirit, how can one who occupies the place of the unlearned say Amen to your thanksgiving, since he does not understand what you say? 17For indeed you bless well, but your fellow man is not enlightened. 18I thank God, that I speak with tongues more than you all: 19But in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, so that I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

20My brethren, be not like infants in your intelligence, only to evil things be like children, but in your understanding be mature. 21In the law it is written, With a foreign speech, and in another tongue, I will speak to this people; yet for all that, they will not listen to me, says the LORD. 22Thus, the gift of languages is instituted as a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers: but prophesying is meant, not for those who do not believe, but for those who believe. 23If therefore the whole church assembles together and all speak in different tongues and there enter unlearned people or unbelievers, will they not say, They are fanatical? 24But if all prophesy, and an unlearned man or an unbeliever enter, he will be convinced by all, and he will be set right by all. 25Thus the secrets of his heart will be revealed, and then he will fall on his face, and he will worship God and say, Truly God is among you.

26Therefore I say to you, my brethren, when you gather together, whoever among you has a psalm to sing, has a doctrine, has a revelation, has the gift of tongues, or the gift of interpretation, let everything be done for edification. 27And if any man should speak in an unknown tongue, let two or at most three speak, and speak one by one; and let one interpret. 28But if there is no one to interpret, let him who speaks in an unknown tongue keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. 29Let the prophets speak two or three in turn, and let the others discern what is said. 30And if anything is revealed to another who is seated, let the first speaker hold his peace. 31For you may all prophesy one by one, so that every one may learn, and every one be comforted. 32For the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, and he is in all churches of the saints.

34Let your women keep silent in the church for they have no permission to speak; but they are to be under obedience as is said in the law. 35And if they wish to learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home; for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36What? Did the word of God come from you? or did it come for you only?

37If any one among you thinks he is a prophet, or that he is inspired by the Spirit, let him acknowledge that these things that I write to you are the commandments of our LORD. 38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not prohibit speaking in unknown tongues. 40Let all things be done decently and in order.