8. For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9. So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue a clear and definite word, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
10. There are many kinds of distinct voices in the world, and nothing is dumb.
11. Therefore, if I ignore the virtue of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaks as a barbarian, and he that speaks shall be a barbarian unto me.
12. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye desire the things of the Spirit, earnestly pursue excellence unto the edification of the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones}.
13. Therefore, let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the place of the ignorant say, Amen, at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what thou sayest?
17. For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all;
19. yet in the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones} I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20. Brothers, be not children in understanding, howbeit in malice be ye children; but in understanding be perfect.
21. In the law it is written, In other tongues and with other lips I will speak unto this people; and yet for all that, they will not hear me, saith the Lord.