ou, unless I speak to you by a revelation, or by a
knowledge, or by a prophecy, or by a doctrine? [14:7]So of irrational
objects making a sound, whether a flute or harp; if it makes no
distinction of sounds, how shall it be known what is played on the
flute or harp? [14:8]For also if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound,
who will prepare himself for the battle? [14:9]So also you by a tongue
if you utter a word not easily understood, how shall it be known what
is spoken? for you will speak to the air. [14:10]There are perhaps as
many kinds of voices in the world, and no one is without significance;
[14:11]if therefore I do not know the meaning of the voice, I shall be
to him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks will be a barbarian
to me. [14:12]So also you, since you are earnestly desirous of spirits
[spiritual gifts], seek to abound for the edification of the church.
[14:13]Let him therefore that speaks with a tongue pray that he may
interpret, [14:14]For if I pray with a tongue, my spirit prays, but my
understanding is unfruitful. [14:15]What then is [to be done]? I will
pray with the spirit, I will pray also with the understanding; I will
sing with the spirit, I will sing also with the understanding; [14:16]
since if you bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the
place of the unlearned say, Amen, to your thanksgiving, since he knows
not what you say? [14:17]For you indeed give thanks well; but the other
is not edified. [14:18]I thank God I speak with a tongue more than you
all; [14:19]but in an assembly I had rather speak five words with my
understanding, that I may also teach others, than ten thousand words in
a tongue.

10 [14:20]Brothers, be not children in understanding, but in malice be
children, and in understanding be perfect men. [14:21]For it is
written in the law, With other tongues, and with other lips will I
speak to this people, and so they shall not understand me, says the
Lord. [14:22]Tongues therefore are a sign, not for believers but for
unbelievers, but prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers.
[14:23]If, therefore, the whole church comes together, and all speak
with tongues, and there come in the unlearned and unbelieving, will
they not say that you are mad? [14:24]But if all prophesy, and there
comes in an unbeliever or an unlearned man, he is convinced by all, he
is examined by all, [14:25]and the secrets of his heart are made
manifest, and so falling down on his face h