1 Corinthians 14 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

Chase after love. But also be eager for gifts from the Breath — especially the ability to speak God's message directly.

Because when someone speaks in an unknown language, they're not talking to people — they're talking to God. Nobody understands them. Through the Breath, they're speaking hidden truths.

But the person who speaks God's message directly is talking to people — building them up, encouraging them, and comforting them.

The person who speaks in an unknown language builds up only themselves, but the person who speaks God's message directly builds up the whole gathered community.

I wish all of you could speak in unknown languages, but even more, I wish you could speak God's message directly. The person who speaks God's message is more valuable than the one who speaks in unknown languages — unless someone interprets, so the gathered community gets built up.

Now, brothers and sisters, if I came to you speaking in unknown languages, what good would that do you? None — unless I bring you some revelation, or knowledge, or a message from God, or teaching.

Think about it this way: even with lifeless instruments like a flute or a harp — if they don't play distinct notes, how will anyone recognize the tune?

And if a trumpet makes an unclear sound, who's going to get ready for battle?

It's the same with you. If what comes out of your mouth isn't clear and understandable, how will anyone know what you're saying? You'll just be talking to the air.

There are all kinds of languages in the world, no doubt, and none of them is without meaning.

But if I don't understand the language someone is speaking, I'm a foreigner to them and they're a foreigner to me.

So since you're so eager for gifts from the Breath, focus on excelling in ones that build up the gathered community.

That's why anyone who speaks in an unknown language should pray for the ability to interpret what they're saying.

Because if I pray in an unknown language, my spirit is praying, but my mind isn't engaged at all.

So what should I do? I'll pray with my spirit AND with my mind. I'll sing with my spirit AND with my mind.

Otherwise, if you're praising God only in your spirit, how can an outsider sitting there say "Yes, I agree!" to your prayer of thanks? They have no idea what you're saying.

You might be giving thanks beautifully, but the other person isn't being built up at all.

I thank God that I speak in unknown languages more than all of you.

But in the gathered community, I'd rather speak five words that people can understand — so I can teach others — than ten thousand words in an unknown language.

Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children about this. When it comes to evil, be infants — but in your thinking, be adults.

In the Law it's written: "Through people speaking foreign languages and through the lips of outsiders I will speak to this people, and even then they won't listen to me," says the Lord.

So unknown languages serve as a sign — not for those who already trust God, but for those who don't. Speaking God's message directly, on the other hand, is a sign not for unbelievers but for those who already trust.

So if the whole gathered community comes together and everyone is speaking in unknown languages, and outsiders or people who don't believe walk in — won't they think you've all lost your minds?

But if everyone is speaking God's message directly, and someone who doesn't believe or some outsider walks in, they'll be convicted by everything they hear. They'll be examined by everything they hear.

The secrets of their heart are laid bare. And then they'll fall on their face and worship God, declaring, "God is really among you!"

So what's the takeaway, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each person brings something — a song, a teaching, a revelation, a message in an unknown language, an interpretation. Make sure everything is done to build up the community.

If anyone speaks in an unknown language, limit it to two or at most three, and they should take turns. And someone must interpret.

If there's no interpreter, they should stay quiet in the gathering and speak to themselves and to God.

Let two or three people speak God's message, and let the others carefully evaluate what's said.

And if a revelation comes to someone else who's sitting there, the first speaker should stop.

You can all take turns speaking God's message, one at a time, so that everyone learns and everyone is encouraged.

The spirits of those who speak God's message are under their own control.

Because God is not a God of chaos but of peace. As in all the gatherings of those set apart for God —

the women should be quiet during the gatherings. They're not permitted to speak up, but should defer, just as the Law also says.

If they want to learn about something, they should ask their own husbands at home. It's inappropriate for a woman to speak up in the gathering.

What?! Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones it reached?

If anyone thinks they're a prophet or spiritually gifted, they should recognize that what I'm writing to you is the Lord's command.

If anyone ignores this, they will be ignored.

So, brothers and sisters — be eager to speak God's message directly, and don't forbid speaking in unknown languages.

But make sure everything is done in a fitting and orderly way.