MLV(i)
2 For he who speaks in a foreign language does not speak to men, but to God; for no one hears with understanding, but he speaks mysteries in the spirit.
3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for building up and encouragement and consolation.
4 He who speaks in a foreign language builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the congregation.
5 Now I wish for all of you to speak with foreign languages, but more in order that you may prophesy, for greater is he who prophesies than he who speaks with foreign languages, unless he translates, in order that the congregation may receive building up.
6 But brethren, now if I come to you speaking in foreign languages, what will I profit you, if I do not speak to you either in revelation or in knowledge or in prophesying or in teaching? 7 Even the lifeless things give forth a voice, whether flute or harp, if they do not give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet also gives an indistinct voice, who will prepare himself for war? 9 So you also, if you do not give distinct speech through the foreign language, how shall it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking to air. 10 If the varieties of foreign voices in the world are so-many, as it may be, and yet none are unintelligible. 11 Therefore if I do not know the power of the voice, I will be a barbarian to the one who speaks with it, and he who speaks will be a barbarian to me.
6 But brethren, now if I come to you speaking in foreign languages, what will I profit you, if I do not speak to you either in revelation or in knowledge or in prophesying or in teaching? 7 Even the lifeless things give forth a voice, whether flute or harp, if they do not give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet also gives an indistinct voice, who will prepare himself for war? 9 So you also, if you do not give distinct speech through the foreign language, how shall it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking to air. 10 If the varieties of foreign voices in the world are so-many, as it may be, and yet none are unintelligible. 11 Therefore if I do not know the power of the voice, I will be a barbarian to the one who speaks with it, and he who speaks will be a barbarian to me.