3. But those who proclaim God's message speak to people and give them help, encouragement, and comfort.
4. Those who speak in strange tongues help only themselves, but those who proclaim God's message help the whole church.
5. I would like all of you to speak in strange tongues; but I would rather that you had the gift of proclaiming God's message. For the person who proclaims God's message is of greater value than the one who speaks in strange tongues — unless there is someone present who can explain what is said, so that the whole church may be helped.
6. So when I come to you, my brothers and sisters, what use will I be to you if I speak in strange tongues? Not a bit, unless I bring you some revelation from God or some knowledge or some inspired message, or some teaching.
7. Take such lifeless musical instruments as the flute or the harp — how will anyone know the tune that is being played unless the notes are sounded distinctly?
8. And if the one who plays the bugle does not sound a clear call, who will prepare for battle?
9. In the same way, how will anyone understand what you are talking about if your message given in strange tongues is not clear? Your words will vanish in the air!
10. There are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.
11. But if I do not know the language being spoken, those who use it will be foreigners to me and I will be a foreigner to them.
12. Since you are eager to have the gifts of the Spirit, you must try above everything else to make greater use of those which help to build up the church.
13. The person who speaks in strange tongues, then, must pray for the gift to explain what is said.