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Journey Through the Bible

1 Corinthians 14:1-18

1 Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.

3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.

4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

6 Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?

7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?

8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?

9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.

11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.

12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

15 So what shall 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 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?

17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.

18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

Cross References for 1 Corinthians 14:1-18

Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has... Click to read the verse Ephesians 1:3 Click to read the verse Ephesians 1:3

Hebrews 12:14 - Warning Against Refusing God Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; wi... Click to read the verse Hebrews 12:14 Click to read the verse Hebrews 12:14

2 Peter 1:7 - and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. Click to read the verse 2 Peter 1:7 Click to read the verse 2 Peter 1:7

1 Timothy 5:10 - and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washin... Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 5:10 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 5:10

1 Corinthians 14:5 - I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:5 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:5

1 Thessalonians 5:15 - Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to... Click to read the verse 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Click to read the verse 1 Thessalonians 5:15

2 Timothy 2:22 - Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with tho... Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 2:22 Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 2:22

1 Timothy 4:14 - Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elde... Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 4:14 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 4:14

1 Samuel 10:5 - “After that you will go to Gibeah of God, where there is a Philistine outpost. As you approach ... Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 10:5 Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 10:5

Romans 12:6 - We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let h... Click to read the verse Romans 12:6 Click to read the verse Romans 12:6

Numbers 11:25-29 - Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on ... Click to read the verse Numbers 11:25-29 Click to read the verse Numbers 11:25-29

Isaiah 51:1 - Everlasting Salvation for Zion “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lor... Click to read the verse Isaiah 51:1 Click to read the verse Isaiah 51:1

1 Timothy 6:11 - Paul’s Charge to Timothy But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, god... Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 6:11 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 6:11

Romans 14:19 - Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Click to read the verse Romans 14:19 Click to read the verse Romans 14:19

1 Corinthians 14:24-25 - But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:24-25

3 John 1:11 - Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from... Click to read the verse 3 John 1:11 Click to read the verse 3 John 1:11

Proverbs 15:9 - The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Click to read the verse Proverbs 15:9 Click to read the verse Proverbs 15:9

1 Peter 3:13 - Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? Click to read the verse 1 Peter 3:13 Click to read the verse 1 Peter 3:13

Romans 9:30 - Israel’s Unbelief What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, ... Click to read the verse Romans 9:30 Click to read the verse Romans 9:30

Proverbs 21:21 - He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Click to read the verse Proverbs 21:21 Click to read the verse Proverbs 21:21

1 Corinthians 14:12 - So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that buil... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:12 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:12

1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 13:13 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 13:13

1 Corinthians 14:37 - If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am wri... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:37 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:37

1 Corinthians 12:1 - Spiritual Gifts Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 12:1 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 12:1

1 Thessalonians 5:20 - do not treat prophecies with contempt. Click to read the verse 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Click to read the verse 1 Thessalonians 5:20

1 Corinthians 14:6 - Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I brin... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:6 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:6

1 Corinthians 14:3-5 - But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:3-5 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:3-5

1 Corinthians 14:39 - Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:39 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:39

1 Corinthians 16:14 - Do everything in love. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 16:14 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 16:14

1 Corinthians 12:31-9 - But eagerly desire the greater gifts. Love And now I will show you the most excellent way. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 12:31-9 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 12:31-9

1 Peter 3:11-13 - He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. Click to read the verse 1 Peter 3:11-13 Click to read the verse 1 Peter 3:11-13

1 Corinthians 14:22 - Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for bel... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:22 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:22