1
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
2
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
3
But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.
4
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
5
I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
6
But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?
7
Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?
8
For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle?
9
So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.