1Pursue love, and desire the gifts of the Spirit, but especially the gift of prophesy. 2For those that speak in an unknown tongue do not speak to men, but to God; because no man can understand them; they speak mysteries by the Spirit. 3But one that prophesies speaks to men to their edification (strengthening), encouragement, and comfort. 4Those that speak in an unknown tongue edify (build up) themselves; but these that prophesy edify the church. 5I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but I would rather that you prophesied; for the one who prophesies is of greater benefit than one that speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified. 6Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how would it benefit you, unless I bring to you some revelation, knowledge, prophesy, or doctrine?

7And even inanimate things that give sound - musical instruments such as a flute or harp, unless they give distinct sounds (recognizable tunes), how shall anyone know what is piped or harped (played)? 8For if a trumpet does not sound a clear battle call, who will prepare for battle? 9So it is with you - unless you utter words in a tongue easily understood, how shall anyone know what is said? For you will be just speaking into the air. 10There are undoubtedly many languages in the world, and none are without significance. 11But if I do not know the language spoken, to the speaker, I shall seem an ignorant barbarian, and the speaker shall seem to me to be an ignorant barbarian. 12The same is true of you: since you are so eager to have spiritual gifts, seek those that build up the church. 13For that reason, let those that speak in an unknown tongue pray that they may interpret what is said. 14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but I do not understand what I am saying. 15What, then, shall I do? I will pray in the Spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with the Spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16Otherwise, when you are praising God in the Spirit, how shall anyone present say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you are saying? 17For while your giving thanks is truly good, others are not edified. 18I thank my God that I speak in tongues more than all of you; 19But in the church, I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might teach others, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

20Brothers and sisters, do not be child-like in your understanding of these things; however, do be naÏve children when it comes to malice or evil; but in your thinking, be adults. 21In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; and yet for all that, they will not hear Me.”, says the Lord’(Is.28:11). 22Tongues, then, are for a sign - not for believers, but to non-believers; but prophesying does not serve non-believers, but only believers. 23So if the whole church comes together in one place, and everyone speaks in tongues, and someone comes in that is just inquiring (just visiting), or a nonbeliever, will they not say that you are crazy? 24But if those that are just visiting, or nonbelievers come in while everyone is prophesying, those visitors or nonbelievers, or one uninitiated, may be convicted of sin, and come under judgment of all that is prophesied. 25And thus, as the secrets of his heart are laid bare, they may fall on their face, worship God, and exclaim, “Of a truth, God is really among you.”

26What shall we say, then, brothers and sisters? When you come together, and each of you has a psalm (hymn), a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation, let everything be done so that the church is edified. 27If anyone speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, one at a time; and let someone interpret. 28And if there is no interpreter, let the one who would speak in tongues keep quiet in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29Let two or three people prophecy, and let the others weigh carefully and evaluate what is said. 30If revelation comes to another that is seated, let the first speaker stop and hold his peace. 31For you should prophesy one by one, so that all may learn, and all may be encouraged. 32The spirits of the prophets are subject to the control of the prophets. 33For God is not a God of disorder or confusion, but of peace, as in all churches (congregations) of God’s people. 34Women should remain silent in the churches; and not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35And if they have questions about anything, let them ask their husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for women to speak in the church. 36Do you think the word of God originated with you? Or you are the only ones to whom it was given?

37If anyone thinks they are a prophet, or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you are the commandments from the Lord. 38But if anyone ignores this, let him be ignored. 39Therefore, brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40But let all things be done decently and in an orderly way.