7. Even lifeless things giving a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they give not distinction to the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8. For also, if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for war?
9. Thus also ye with the tongue, unless ye give a distinct speech, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking to the air.
10. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of undistinguishable sound.
11. If therefore I do not know the power of the sound, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks a barbarian for me.
12. Thus ye also, since ye are desirous of spirits, seek that ye may abound for the edification of the assembly.
13. Wherefore let him that speaks with a tongue pray that he may interpret.
14. For if I pray with a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray also with the understanding; I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing also with the understanding.
16. Since otherwise, if thou blessest with the spirit, how shall he who fills the place of the simple Christian say Amen, at thy giving of thanks, since he does not know what thou sayest?
17. For thou indeed givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18. I thank God I speak in a tongue more than all of you:
19. but in the assembly I desire to speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.
20. Brethren, be not children in your minds, but in malice be babes; but in your minds be grown men.