1 你们要追求爱,也要切慕属灵的恩赐,其中更要羡慕的,是作先知讲道。(原文作是说预言下同)
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
2 那说方言的,原不是对人说,乃是对神说。因为没有人听出来。然而他在心灵里,却是讲说各样的奥秘。
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
3 但作先知讲道的,是对人说,要造就,安慰,劝勉人。
But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
4 说方言的,是造就自己。作先知讲道的,乃是造就教会。
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
5 我愿意你们都说方言。更愿意你们作先知讲道。因为说方言的,若不翻出来,使教会被造就,那作先知讲道的,就比他强了。
I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
6 弟兄们,我到你们那里去,若只说方言,不用启示,或知识,或预言,或教训,给你们讲解,我与你们有什么益处呢?
Now, brothers, 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?
7 就是那有声无气的物,或箫,或琴,若发出来的声音,没有分别,怎能知道所吹所弹的是什么呢?
Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?
8 若吹无定的号声,谁能预备打仗呢?
Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?
9 你们也是如此,舌头若不说容易明白的话,怎能知道所说的是什么呢?这就是向空说话了。
So 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.
10 世上的声音,或者甚多,却没有一样是无意思的。
Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.
11 我若不明白那声音的意思,这说话的人必以我为化外之人,我也以他为化外之人。
If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.
12 你们也是如此。既是切慕属灵的恩赐,就当求多得造就教会的恩赐。
So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.