Lamsa(i)
1 FOLLOW after love, and desire spiritual gifts, above all that you may prophesy.
2 For he who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God; for no man understands what he says; however through the Spirit he speaks mysteries.
3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for edification, encouragement, and comfort.
4 He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he who prophesies edifies the church.
5 I would that you all spoke various tongues, but I would rather that you prophesied: for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks various tongues, unless he interpret; however, if he interpret it, he edifies the church.
6 Now, my brethren, if I should come to you and speak in diverse tongues, what would I profit you, except I speak to you either by means of revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying or by teaching?
7 For even when things without life, giving sound, whether flute or harp, except they make a distinction between one tone and another, how shall it be known what is sung or played?
8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for the battle?
9 Even so you, except you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what you say? you shall speak as into the air.
10 For, behold, there are many kinds of speech in the world, yet none of them are without expression.
11 So if I do not understand the utterance, I shall be as a barbarian to the speaker, and the speaker shall be as a barbarian to me.
12 Likewise you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, seek that you may excel in these gifts.
13 Thus he who speaks in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret it.
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my knowledge is fruitless.
15 What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, and I will pray with my understanding also: I will sing with my spirit, and I will sing with my understanding also.
16 Otherwise, if you say a blessing with the spirit, how can one who occupies the place of the unlearned say Amen to your thanksgiving, since he does not understand what you say?
17 For indeed you bless well, but your fellow man is not enlightened.
18 I thank God, that I speak with tongues more than you all: