7. And even things without life which give sound, whether flute or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is played?
8. For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle?
9. So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for you shall speak into the air.
10. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without meaning.
11. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaks a foreigner, and he that speaks shall be a foreigner unto me.
12. Even so you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church.
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 you shall bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the place of the unlearned say Amen at your giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what you said?
17. For you verily give thanks well, but the other is not edified.