1 Corinthians 14:4

Contemporary English Version (Anglicised) 2012

By speaking languages that others don't know, you help only yourself. But by prophesying you help everyone in the church.

Cross References

Mark 16:17

Everyone who believes me will be able to do wonderful things. By using my name they will force out demons, and they will speak new languages.

Romans 14:19

We should try to live at peace and help each other have a strong faith.

1 Corinthians 12:10

or the power to perform mighty miracles. Some of us are prophets, and some of us recognize when God's Spirit is present. Others can speak different kinds of languages, and still others can tell what these languages mean.

1 Corinthians 12:28

First, God chose some people to be apostles and prophets and teachers for the church. But he also chose some to perform miracles or heal the sick or help others or be leaders or speak different kinds of languages.

1 Corinthians 13:1

What if I could speak all languages of humans and of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:2

What if I could prophesy and understand all secrets and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others.

1 Corinthians 14:12

If you really want spiritual gifts, choose the ones that will be most helpful to the church.

1 Corinthians 14:22

Languages that others don't know may mean something to unbelievers, but not to the Lord's followers. Prophecy, on the other hand, is for followers, not for unbelievers.

1 Corinthians 14:26

My friends, when you meet to worship, you must do everything for the good of everyone there. That's how it should be when someone sings or teaches or tells what God has said or speaks an unknown language or explains what the language means.

1 Corinthians 14:3

But when you prophesy, you will be understood, and others will be helped. They will be encouraged and made to feel better.

1 Corinthians 14:5

I am glad for you to speak unknown languages, although I would rather you prophesied. In fact, prophesying does much more good than speaking unknown languages, unless someone can help the church by explaining what you mean.