1 Corinthians 14:1-18

ACV(i) 1 Pursue love, and be zealous for the spiritual things, but more that ye may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God, for no man hears, but in spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks to men edification and encouragement and comfort. 4 He who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the congregation. 5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but more that ye may prophesy. For greater is he who prophesies than he who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the congregation may receive edification. 6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I benefit you, unless I would speak to you either in a revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophesying, or in doctrine? 7 Likewise lifeless things that give a sound, whether flute or harp, if they give no distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is being piped or harped? 8 For also if a trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle? 9 So also ye, unless ye give understandable speech by the tongue, how will that which is spoken be known? For ye will be talking into the air. 10 Since there are perhaps, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without significance. 11 If therefore I know not the force of the voice, I will be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. 12 So also ye, since ye are zealots of spirits, seek so that ye may excel for the edification of the church. 13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue my spirit prays, but my intellect is unfruitful. 15 What is it therefore? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the intellect also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the intellect also. 16 Otherwise if thou would bless with the spirit, how will the man who fills the place of the unlearned, say the Truly at thy thanksgiving, since he knows not what thou say? 17 For thou indeed express thanks well, but the other man is not edified. 18 I thank my God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.