13 So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said. 14 For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying.
15 Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit,[d] and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. 16 For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? 17 You will be giving thanks very well, but it won’t strengthen the people who hear you.
18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you. 19 But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language.
Summary:
I have had an interesting time researching and trying to understand why God would have us speak in tongues. In a church service Paul is saying that He would rather have 5 languages that people can actually understand than one that they can not. I truly feel that speaking in tongues has a time and a place. When I am alone in bedroom crying out to God and seeking for answers. I believe that is a good place. When speaking in tongues comes with an interpretation and edifies the body I believe that is a good place.
Not all times and all places are appropriate for everything. Speaking in tongues is the same way. I believe that God gives that gift to those who can use it appropriately and not bombard people with the knowledge that everyone has to speak in tongues. The gift of tongues is the Holy Spirit speaking to our Spirit and uttering things for a purpose. All the things that God does for us has a purpose. This does too.
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