1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that you^2f may prophesy. 2For he that speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God-The Father: for no man understands [him]; howbeit in the Spirit [Ruach] he speaks mysteries. 3But he that prophesies speaks unto men [to] edification, and Exhortation (encouragement; counsel), and comfort. 4He that speaks in an [unknown] tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would that you^2f all spoke with tongues (foreign languages), but rather that you^2f prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues (foreign languages), except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues (foreign languages), what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9So likewise you^2f, except you^2f utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for you^2f shall speak into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them [is] without signification. 11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks [shall be] a barbarian unto me. 12Even so you^2f, forasmuch as you^2f are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that you^2f may excel to the edifying of the church.

13For what reason let him that speaks in an [unknown] tongue pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my Spirit [Ruach] prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15What is it then? I will pray with the Spirit [Ruach], and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the Spirit [Ruach], and I will sing with the understanding also. 16Else when youⁱ shall bless with the Spirit [Ruach], how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned say Amen at yourⁱ giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what youⁱ say? 17For youⁱ truly give thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18I thank my God-The Father, I speak with tongues (foreign languages) more than you^2f all: 19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue.

20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be you^2f children, but in understanding be men. 21In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues (foreign languages) and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, says the Lord - Kurios. 22For what reason tongues (foreign languages) are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serves] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues (foreign languages), and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that you^2f are mad? 24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believes not, or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God-The Father, and report that God-The Father is in you of a truth.

26How is it then, brethren? when you^2f come together, every one of you has a Psalm (sacred song about or to God), has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret. 28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God-The Father. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30If [any thing] be revealed to another that sits by, let the first hold his peace. 31For you^2f may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33For God-The Father is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

34Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also says the law. 35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36What? came the word of God-The Father out from you? or came it unto you only?

37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord - Kurios. 38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39For what reason, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues (foreign languages). 40Let all things be done decently and in order.