But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
1 Corinthians 14:19 NIV
This passage contrasts speaking in tongues and prophesying. The one edifies the individual while the second builds up the body. They each have their place, but when we are together, prophecy is preferable.
I am from a tradition that does not encourage speaking in tongues, at least not that we will admit. But how often, when we gather together for ‘fellowship’, do we overflow with words that have no real value to the ones who hear us?
Don’t get me wrong; chit-chat is OK, although I am not very good at it. But how much better would it be to speak an encouraging word to each other? Let’s seek to use our words to build each other up (Eph. 4:29). Practice encouraging speech.
