3. But one who prophesies speaks to people for building up, urging on, and uplifting.
4. One who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but one who prophesies builds up the community.
5. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues—unless he interprets, so that the community may be built up.
6. But now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you—unless I speak to you by way of revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?
7. It is the same for lifeless things that make a sound—like a flute or a harp. If they make no distinction in the tones, how will what is played be recognized?
8. For if the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will prepare himself for battle?
9. So also with you with your tongue—unless you utter speech that is intelligible, how will what is spoken be understood? For you will be talking to the wind!
10. It may be that there are many kinds of languages in the world—and none without meaning.
11. If then I do not understand the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me.
12. Likewise with you—since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, keep trying to excel for the building up of the community.
13. Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
14. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
15. What is it then? I will pray in my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing praises with my spirit, and I will also sing praises with my mind.
16. Otherwise if you give thanks and praise in the spirit, how will one filling the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he has no idea what you’re saying?
17. For you certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up.
18. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.