Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 1 Corinthians 14:16-19

The Apostle Paul makes an important statement here “ In the Church, I had rather speak five words with my understanding, than ten thousands words in an unknown tongue” You have heard the phrase quality over quantity, Paul would rather speak only 5 words that was understandable and edifying to the Church than ten thousand words that nobody could understand

Again this goes back to why are we speaking tongues in Church? Are you trying to edify the body of Christ with a message or are you trying to puff yourself up? There has to be a reason and purpose for what your saying, God doesn’t just randomly make up words with no edification. 

As Paul says here also, and I’ll paraphrase, “How can those in the room say “Amen” and they don’t understand what you say” When the Church says Amen , they are agreeing to something being said, the Church can’t agree or they shouldn’t agree, if they don’t understand what is being proclaimed

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:20-21

It’s interesting here because the Apostle Paul quotes Isaiah , there are a couple of things we can conclude from this reference.

 1. Speaking in tongues is a New Covenant practice- as Isaiah referenced , the prophets beforehand spoke in clear language to the people of Israel, yet they still rejected Gods Word, now that the Holy Spirit speaks through foreign tongues, its clear the New Covenant is for All nations and people and not just Israel

2. Speaking in tongues is a sign and confirmation of the New Covenant in Christ. Those who claim Christ is just a renewal of the Mosaic Covenant, would have to dismiss the gifts of speaking in tongues at Pentecost all together

3. Paul warns the Church to be mature in the use of speaking of tongues and not like spiritual children. Even discussing the topic of tongues we see brings a strong reaction and sometimes division among the Church. The use of tongues is a powerful gift given by the Holy Spirit, it should be used with wisdom and caution of Gods providence.

I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 1 Corinthians 14:5-9

Our scriptures today generate some questions, does everyone speak in tongues or prophecy? Secondly, what is the purpose of you speaking in tongues or prophesying? As we talked about previously, there are various spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12, Romans 12) and we all that are Born Again, have a spiritual gift of the Holy Spirit. You may not know or understand what your spiritual gift is at this point, but I can guarantee if you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then He has given you a gift

Now the first question, what is the purpose of you speaking in tongues? God is a God of law and order (1 Cor. 14:33) God doesn’t just create random things to create confusion, there is a purpose and plan for everything He has created, including You! We know in the past that Speaking of Tongues, was instrumental to spreading the gospel very quickly. In fact that might still be the case today, as missionaries go to foreign countries , the Holy Spirit may enable them to share the gospel in their native language. 

There are many today who claim to have the gifts of speaking in tongues, what is the purpose of your gift? Are you using it for the body of Christ to edify or spread the gospel? And what about unknown tongues? What is Gods plan and purpose for this gift? I’m not going to claim to have all the answers, in fact to be honest, speaking in tongues is very mysterious to me. I do believe they are real, because the Word of God says they are real, but I don’t fully understand everything about it

As the Apostle Paul says here “What shall I profit or benefit you” How are these gift going to enhance the Kingdom of God or edify the Body of Christ? That should be the question if you are speaking in tongues or if someone in your Church is also. We know there are some false prophets who fake speaking in tongues to gather attention or to try and demonstrate a greater spiritual authority, but what are they accomplishing? Has anything been edified since they have spoken? Has the gospel been increased?

The Apostle Paul also says here “except you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how shall it be known what is spoken”? Again what is the purpose of what is being spoken, if its now understood by anyone? Is this to glorify God or to glorify yourself?

Many false prophets have abused the gifts of the Holy Spirit, lets make sure we are worshiping God in Spirit and Truth, Amen!