Bible Discussion Thread

Unknown tongues vs Prophesy: which one is preferred?

Those who receive the Holy Ghost do not normally speak in an unknown tongue, a tongue that only God understands. Unknown tongues yield little value on the spiritual spectrum. It's good between that person and God, but does nothing to enlighten others.

( 1 Corinthians 14:2-5;27,28)

2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

5 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.

Unknown tongue restrictions:

27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

vs 5: I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied...