He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
Speaking in an unlearned language strengthens only the one speaking, while speaking God's message to instruct strengthens the whole congregation, so the one who instructs is greater unless the language is explained so that all can be built up. Speech in languages profits no one unless it communicates revelation or knowledge or inspired instruction or teaching that can be understood. Like a lifeless flute or harp, it must produce clear and distinct notes, for if the sound has no distinction no one can tell what is being played or said.
Meaningless babbling is not a true gift from God, for it is unknown not only to people but to the Lord and to heaven, and this marks the difference between genuine gifts and counterfeit tongues. The verse calls for grown maturity in understanding rather than childishness. That maturity means taking truth intelligently into the heart, standing firm in it, remembering what was preached, holding fast the word of life, putting it into practice in every detail, and steadily passing on to others the knowledge received, because the time is too late to believe without effect or to act without effect.
Speaking in an unlearned language strengthens only the one speaking, while speaking God's message to instruct strengthens the whole congregation, so the one who instructs is greater unless the language is explained so that all can be built up. Speech in languages profits no one unless it communicates revelation or knowledge or inspired instruction or teaching that can be understood. Like a lifeless flute or harp, it must produce clear and distinct notes, for if the sound has no distinction no one can tell what is being played or said.
Meaningless babbling is not a true gift from God, for it is unknown not only to people but to the Lord and to heaven, and this marks the difference between genuine gifts and counterfeit tongues. The verse calls for grown maturity in understanding rather than childishness. That maturity means taking truth intelligently into the heart, standing firm in it, remembering what was preached, holding fast the word of life, putting it into practice in every detail, and steadily passing on to others the knowledge received, because the time is too late to believe without effect or to act without effect.