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Those who speak in strange tongues help only themselves, but those who proclaim God's message help the whole church.

I would like for all of you to speak in strange tongues; but I would rather that you had the gift of proclaiming God's message. For the person who proclaims God's message is of greater value than the one who speaks in strange tongues—unless there is someone present who can explain what is said, so that the whole church may be helped. So when I come to you, my friends, what use will I be to you if I speak in strange tongues? Not a bit, unless I bring you some revelation from God or some knowledge or some inspired message or some teaching.

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Anyone who speaks in a tongue(A) edifies(B) themselves, but the one who prophesies(C) edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[a] but I would rather have you prophesy.(D) The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[b] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.(E)

Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation(F) or knowledge(G) or prophecy or word of instruction?(H)

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
  2. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39