1Pursue love, and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
2For anyone who speaks in a language they don't understand is not speaking to people but to God. No one understands them; they are speaking mysteries by the Spirit.
3But anyone who prophesies speaks to people to strengthen, encourage, and comfort them.
4The one who speaks in a language they don't understand builds up themselves, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
5Now I want all of you to speak in different languages, but I would prefer that you prophesy. The person who prophesies is more important than the one who speaks in different languages, unless that person can interpret what they are saying so the church can be helped.
6But now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in different languages, how does that help you? It only helps if I share a revelation, or knowledge, or a prophecy, or a teaching.
7Even lifeless musical instruments like a flute or a harp, if they don't play distinct notes, how can anyone tell what tune is being played?
8For example, if a trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will get ready for battle?
9It's the same with you. Unless you speak words that are easy to understand, how will anyone know what you are saying? You would just be talking to the air.
10There are probably many different kinds of sounds in the world, and all of them have meaning.
11If I don’t understand the meaning of a sound, I will be a foreigner to the person speaking, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me.
12So it is with you. Since you are eager for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in those that build up the church.
13Therefore, whoever speaks in another language should pray that they can interpret what they say.
14For if I pray in another language, my spirit is praying, but my mind doesn't understand what I'm saying.
15What should I do then? I will pray with my spirit, and I will also pray with my understanding. I will sing with my spirit, and I will also sing with my understanding.
16Otherwise, if you give a blessing with your spirit alone, how can someone unlearned say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since they don't know what you are saying?
17You certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not helped.
18I thank God that I speak in languages more than all of you.
19However, in the church, I would rather speak five understandable words to teach others than ten thousand words in a language I don't understand.
20Brothers and sisters, do not be childish in your thinking. When it comes to evil, be like infants, but in your thinking, be mature.
21It is written in the Law: “I will speak to these people through individuals who speak strange languages and through the mouths of foreigners; but even then, they will not listen to me, says the Lord.”
22So, speaking in other languages is a sign, not for those who believe, but for unbelievers. However, prophecy is a sign, not for unbelievers, but for those who believe.
23Therefore, if the whole church comes together and everyone is speaking in other languages, and some uninstructed or unbelieving people come in, won't they say you are out of your mind?
24But if everyone is prophesying, and an unbeliever or an uninstructed person comes in, they will be shown their sin by everyone, and judged by everyone.
25And so the hidden things in their heart will be revealed. Then they will fall down on their face and worship God, declaring that God is truly among you.
26What should you do then, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a psalm, or a teaching, or a revelation, or a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything should be done in a way that builds up the church.
27If anyone speaks in another language, it should be done by two, or at the most three, and each in turn, and someone must interpret.
28But if there is no interpreter, the person should remain silent in the church and speak to themselves and to God.
29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others carefully consider what is said.
30But if a revelation comes to someone else who is sitting by, the first speaker should stop.
31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged.
32The spirits of prophets are under the control of the prophets,
33because God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
34Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law also states.
35If they want to learn something, they should ask their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in church.
36What? Did the word of God originate with you? Or did it reach only you?
37If anyone thinks they are a prophet or spiritual, they should acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.
38But if anyone ignores this, they themselves will be ignored.
39Therefore, my brothers and sisters, eagerly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in other languages.
40Everything should be done in a proper and orderly way.