10. It is true that there are many different languages in the world, and they all have meaning.
11. But if I don’t understand the meaning of what someone is saying, it will just be strange sounds to me, and I will sound just as strange to them.
12. That’s why you who want spiritual gifts so much should prefer those gifts that help the church grow stronger.
13. So those who have the gift of speaking in a different language should pray that they can also interpret what they say.
14. If I pray in a different language, my spirit is praying, but my mind does nothing.
15. So what should I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
16. You might be praising God with your spirit. But someone there without understanding cannot say “Amen” to your prayer of thanks, because they don’t know what you are saying.
17. You may be thanking God in a good way, but others are not helped.