1 Corinthians 14:20-25

1 Corinthians 14:20-25

[20] Brethren,  be  not  children  in understanding:  howbeit  in malice  be ye children,  but  in understanding  be  men.  [21] In  the law  it is written,  With  men of other tongues  and  other  lips  will I speak  people;  and  yet for all  not  hear  saith  the Lord.  [22] Wherefore  tongues  for  a sign,  not  to them that believe,  but  to them that believe not:  but  prophesying  serveth not  for them that believe not,  but  for them which believe.  [23] If  therefore  the whole  church  be come together  into  one place,  and  all  speak  with tongues,  and  there come in  those that are unlearned,  or  unbelievers,  not  say  that  ye are mad?  [24] But  if  all  prophesy,  and  there come in  one  that believeth not,  or  one unlearned,  he is convinced  of  all,  he is judged  of  all:  [25] And  thus  the secrets  of his  heart  made  manifest;  and  so  falling down  on  his face  he will worship  God,  and report  that  God  in  of a truth. 

What does 1 Corinthians 14:20-25 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Uninterpreted tongues did not benefit visiting unbelievers any more than they edified the believers in church meetings. Prophecy, on the other hand, benefited both groups.