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1Above all other things, make love your aim. Keep the desire for spiritual gifts burning in your hearts, but most of all for the gift of prophecy.
2Prophesying is better than speaking in unknown languages, because the ones who speak in unknown languages do not speak to human beings, but to the Great Spirit. No one understands them, for they speak mysteries in the Spirit.
3On the other hand, the ones who prophesy speak to human beings in a language they understand . They speak words that give strength, courage, and comfort.
4The ones who speak in unknown languages give strength only to themselves, but those who prophesy give strength to the whole sacred family gathering.
5It is my desire that all of you would speak in unknown languages, and even more that you would prophesy. Now, the ones who prophesy do a greater thing than the ones who speak in unknown languages, unless someone explains the meaning of what is said. Then the sacred family would be strengthened.
6So then, my sacred family members, what if I came to you speaking only in unknown languages? What good would it do you? For unless my words reveal something new, or give deeper understanding, or speak a prophecy, or bring forth a teaching, you will learn nothing.
7Some things such as drums or flutes, even though they have no human life, must make sounds that have the right beats or tones, or no one will know what they are hearing.
8If an eagle bone whistle is not sounded in the right way, who will prepare for battle?[#14:8 Lit. trumpet , or in Hebrew shofar , meaning “ram’s horn”]
9In the same manner, if you speak in an unknown language, how will the hearers know what is being said? The sound of your voice will be lost in the wind.
10A great number of languages are spoken throughout this world, and all tribes understand their own language.
11If I do not speak the language of a tribe, they will not know my language and I will not know theirs. Our languages will sound strange to each other.
12Here is what I am saying to you: since you have such a strong desire for spiritual powers, desire those powers that will help the sacred family grow stronger.
13So the one who speaks in an unknown language should pray for the power to interpret its meaning for others.
14Now, if I pray in an unknown language, I am praying with my spirit and not in a language my mind understands.
15So what is the right thing to do? I will pray with my spirit and also with my mind. In the same manner, I will sing with my spirit in unknown words and with words I understand.
16So then, if you only give thanks in an unknown language , speaking with your spirit, then how could someone who does not understand say “Aho! May it be so” at your prayer of giving thanks?
17For you may be praying in a good way, but it does not help others to grow spiritually strong.
18I give thanks to the Great Spirit that I speak in unknown languages more than any of you.
19But at our sacred family gatherings it would be better for me to speak five words of instruction that all can understand than to speak ten thousand words in an unknown language.
20My sacred family members, do not think in childish ways. In the ways of evil be as innocent as a baby in a cradleboard, but in your understanding of spiritual things be as wise as an elder.
21It has been written down in our Sacred Teachings, “I will speak to my people through the mouths of people with strange languages,” says our Honored Chief, “but even so my people will not hear me.”
22This means that unknown languages are a sign for how Creator speaks to the ones who do not want to hear him, but prophecy is a sign for those who want to hear what the Great Spirit is saying.[#14:22 Lit. the ones who do not believe; #14:22 Lit. for those who believe]
23So then, if everyone at a gathering of the sacred family began to speak in unknown languages, and if someone came to the gathering who knew nothing about these things or who did not walk in our ways, would they not think you had lost your minds?
24But on the other hand, if everyone prophesied, the secrets hidden in their hearts would be made known, and they would clearly see how their broken ways will bring them to a bad end.
25They would then humble themselves before Creator and tell everyone that the Great Spirit truly walks among you.
26So, my sacred family members, what is the path forward? When you gather for ceremony, each one has a gift to share. Some may sing sacred songs, and others might bring a teaching or tell a story. Some might share something new that has been revealed to them, while others may speak in an unknown language and then tell the meaning of it. All these things must be done in a good way to help others grow strong.
27Only two or three should speak in unknown languages. Let each of them speak, one at a time. Then someone must interpret the meaning of what has been said.
28If no one can interpret, let the speakers of unknown languages remain silent during the sacred gathering and speak quietly in their hearts to the Great Spirit.
29In the same manner , only two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh what has been said.
30But if anything is revealed by the Spirit to another who is seated in the circle, the first should stop speaking and give way to the other.
31The prophets should speak one at a time, so that all may learn and find comfort in their words.
32Prophets have power over their own spirits,
33for disorder and confusion do not come from Creator, for he is the Great Spirit of peace and harmony. This is the way these things are to be done wherever Creator’s holy people come together at our sacred family gatherings.
34During our sacred gatherings wives should remain silent, for they are not permitted to speak out of place . They should remain under the guidance of their husbands, as our Sacred Teachings tell us.
35So then, if they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is a shameful thing for a married woman to speak out of place during our sacred gatherings.
36What are you saying to me? Did the message of the Great Spirit come first from you who gather in Village of Pleasure (Corinth) ? Are you the only ones whom Creator has entrusted with his message?
37If anyone among you thinks of himself as a prophet, or thinks of himself to be spiritual, he should be the first to see that my instructions come from our Honored Chief.
38Any who set aside what I am saying are only showing how ignorant they are.
39I say to you once more, my sacred family members, fan into flame your desire to prophesy and do not forbid speaking in unknown languages.
40Let everything be done with respect, in a good and orderly manner.