1 Corinthians 14 — NETB

14Verse 1Pursue love and be eager for the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.^{Verse 2}For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, for no one understands; he is speaking mysteries by the Spirit.^{Verse 3}But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation.^{Verse 4}The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.^{Verse 5}I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be strengthened.^{Verse 6}Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I help you unless I speak to you with a revelation or with knowledge or prophecy or teaching?^{Verse 7}It is similar for lifeless things that make a sound, like a flute or harp. Unless they make a distinction in the notes, how can what is played on the flute or harp be understood?^{Verse 8}If, for example, the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will get ready for battle?^{Verse 9}It is the same for you. If you do not speak clearly with your tongue, how will anyone know what is being said? For you will be speaking into the air.^{Verse 10}There are probably many kinds of languages in the world, and none is without meaning.^{Verse 11}If then I do not know the meaning of a language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me.^{Verse 12}It is the same with you. Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, seek to abound in order to strengthen the church.^{Verse 13}So then, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.^{Verse 14}If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unproductive.^{Verse 15}What should I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing praises with my spirit, but I will also sing praises with my mind.^{Verse 16}Otherwise, if you are praising God with your spirit, how can someone without the gift say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?^{Verse 17}For you are certainly giving thanks well, but the other person is not strengthened.^{Verse 18}I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you,^{Verse 19}but in the church I want to speak five words with my mind to instruct others, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.^{Verse 20}Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking. Instead, be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.^{Verse 21}It is written in the law: “By people with strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, yet not even in this way will they listen to me,” says the Lord.^{Verse 22}So then, tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers.^{Verse 23}So if the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and unbelievers or uninformed people enter, will they not say that you have lost your minds?^{Verse 24}But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or uninformed person enters, he will be convicted by all, he will be called to account by all.^{Verse 25}The secrets of his heart are disclosed, and in this way he will fall down with his face to the ground and worship God, declaring, “God is really among you.”

Church Order

^{Verse 26}What should you do then, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each one has a song, has a lesson, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all these things be done for the strengthening of the church.^{Verse 27}If someone speaks in a tongue, it should be two, or at the most three, one after the other, and someone must interpret.^{Verse 28}But if there is no interpreter, he should be silent in the church. Let him speak to himself and to God.^{Verse 29}Two or three prophets should speak and the others should evaluate what is said.^{Verse 30}And if someone sitting down receives a revelation, the person who is speaking should conclude.^{Verse 31}For you can all prophesy one after another, so all can learn and be encouraged.^{Verse 32}Indeed, the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets,^{Verse 33}for God is not characterized by disorder but by peace. As in all the churches of the saints,^{Verse 34}the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak. Rather, let them be in submission, as in fact the law says.^{Verse 35}If they want to find out about something, they should ask their husbands at home, because it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in church.^{Verse 36}Did the word of God begin with you, or did it come to you alone?^{Verse 37}If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, he should acknowledge that what I write to you is the Lord’s command.^{Verse 38}If someone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.^{Verse 39}So then, brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid anyone from speaking in tongues.^{Verse 40}And do everything in a decent and orderly manner.