Why does Paul prefer "five intelligible words" over "ten thousand words in a tongue"? The Setting in Corinth • Corinth was blessed with many spiritual gifts, tongues included (1 Corinthians 1:7). • The gathering, however, had become noisy and confusing (1 Corinthians 14:26–33). • Into that atmosphere Paul writes: “But in the church I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.” (1 Corinthians 14:19) Why Understanding Matters More Than Quantity • Edification is the target – “Since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in gifts that build up the church.” (14:12) – Teaching that is understood feeds minds and strengthens faith. • Love governs speech – “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.” (13:1) – Love motivates clarity so others benefit. • Clarity honors the mind God gave us – “I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding.” (14:15) – God speaks plainly; His people should, too. Five Intelligible Words—What Makes Them So Powerful? 1. They convey truth that can be grasped. 2. They invite response—faith, repentance, obedience. 3. They unify the body around shared meaning (Romans 12:5). 4. They guard against error; vague sounds cannot be tested (Acts 17:11). 5. They showcase the gospel rather than the speaker’s experience. Ten Thousand Words in a Tongue—Why the Caution? • Uninterpreted tongues leave hearers “speaking into the air” (14:9). • Outsiders label the church “out of their minds” (14:23). • Spiritual pride can creep in when display replaces service (14:4). • The gift, without interpretation, benefits only the speaker (14:2). Supporting Witness from the Rest of Scripture • Acts 2:8—Tongues first appear as known languages understood by listeners. • Ephesians 4:29—“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up.” • Colossians 4:6—“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” • Proverbs 18:21—“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Aim for speech that informs, inspires, and instructs. • Exercise any spiritual gift under the umbrella of love and order. • Measure ministry impact not by volume but by clarity and fruit. • Seek interpretation whenever tongues are exercised publicly (14:27–28). • Remember: a single sentence of gospel truth can rescue a soul for eternity. |
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