1 Corinthians 14:26-40

Living Bible

²⁶ Well, my brothers, let’s add up what I am saying. When you meet together some will sing, another will teach, or tell some special information God has given him, or speak in an unknown language, or tell what someone else is saying who is speaking in the unknown language, but everything that is done must be useful to all, and build them up in the Lord. ²⁷ No more than two or three should speak in an unknown language, and they must speak one at a time, and someone must be ready to interpret what they are saying. ²⁸ But if no one is present who can interpret, they must not speak out loud. They must talk silently to themselves and to God in the unknown language but not publicly.

^29-30 Two or three may prophesy, one at a time, if they have the gift, while all the others listen. But if, while someone is prophesying, someone else receives a message or idea from the Lord, the one who is speaking should stop. ³¹ In this way all who have the gift of prophecy can speak, one after the other, and everyone will learn and be encouraged and helped. ³² Remember that a person who has a message from God has the power to stop himself or wait his turn.^{[a] 33} God is not one who likes things to be disorderly and upset. He likes harmony, and he finds it in all the other churches.

³⁴ Women should be silent during the church meetings. They are not to take part in the discussion, for they are subordinate to men^[b] as the Scriptures also declare. ³⁵ If they have any questions to ask, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to express their opinions in church meetings.

³⁶ You disagree? And do you think that the knowledge of God’s will begins and ends with you Corinthians? Well, you are mistaken! ³⁷ You who claim to have the gift of prophecy or any other special ability from the Holy Spirit should be the first to realize that what I am saying is a commandment from the Lord himself. ³⁸ But if anyone still disagrees—well, we will leave him in his ignorance.^[c]

³⁹ So, my fellow believers, long to be prophets so that you can preach God’s message plainly; and never say it is wrong to “speak in tongues”; ⁴⁰ however, be sure that everything is done properly in a good and orderly way.