1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
2For anyone who speaks in a tongue
a does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.
3But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.
4Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,
b but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,
c unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
so what do we learn here?
it is good to desire spiritual gifts
speaking in tongues is not Acts all over again...note v 2
if speaking in tongues a person does so by the Holy Spirit...note the capital 'S' v 2
the one who prophecies, v.3 exhorts everyone...in prophesying...meaning exhortation in most cases and not foretelling something
if a person is speaking in tongues, they edify themselves, if a person exhorts or prophecies, they edify the congregation or gathering
Paul would like everyone to speak in tongues..v 5..which places a high value on this gift, but he would prefer that everyone is edified and not just an individual. however, he goes on to say that if the tongues are interpreted, then they are equal in value
6Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
7Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?
8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?
9So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.
10Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.
11If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me.
12So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.
Paul further explains why tongues should be interpreted or used privately. He indicates he values their desire for gifts of the Spirit and encourages this by saying they should try to excel in those that build up the body
13For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.
14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
15So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.
16Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer,
d say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying?
17You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.
Paul sums up what he has indicated should be the order for the use of tongues in church. he tells them to pray to be able to interpret...nowhere does Paul give any indication that he believes they should just be quiet and not use tongues nor does he castigate them in any way that would indicate he is angry or that there is jealousy or any other negative influence at work.
there is no indication they were prophesying over each other either. further, there is a misinterpretation of the word prophesy if a person is using it to indicate revelation rather than exhortation. Paul does not use the word revelation
rather he congratulates them on their desire for spiritual gifts but cautions proper use of same
18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
19But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
again, he expounds on the importance of understanding and his concern that ALL should benefit from the gifts of exhortation...prophecy and tongues with interpretation