^{2 Ref} For he who makes use of tongues is not talking to men but to God; because no one has the sense of what he is saying; but in the Spirit he is talking of secret things.

^{3 Ref} But the word of the prophet gives men knowledge and comfort and strength.

^{4 Ref} He who makes use of tongues may do good to himself; but he who gives the prophet's word does good to the church.

^{5 Ref} Now though it is my desire for you all to have the power of tongues, it would give me more pleasure to be hearing the prophet's word from you; for this is a greater thing than using tongues, if the sense is not given at the same time, for the good of the church.

^{6 Ref} But, now, my brothers, if I come to you using tongues, what profit will it be to you, if I do not give you a revelation, or knowledge, or the word of the prophet, or teaching?

^{7 Ref} Even things without life, having a voice, such as a music-pipe or other instrument, if they do not give out different sounds, who may be certain what is being played?

^{8 Ref} For if the war-horn gives out an uncertain note, who will get ready for the fight?

^{9 Ref} So if you, in using a strange tongue, say words which have no sense, how will anyone take in what you are saying? for you will be talking to the air.

¹⁰ There are, it may be, a number of different voices in the world, and no voice is without sense.

^{11 Ref} But if the sense of the voice is not clear to me, I am like a man from a strange country to him who is talking, and he will be the same to me.