How does speaking in tongues edify a person?
1 Corinthians 14:13 - 17
ESV - 13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful.
Clarify
•
Share
•
Report
•
Asked September 20 2017
•
COLIN WOO
Supporter
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Philip Davies
Supporter
to Edify means to build someone up. You can only do that through their mind and you have to talk in a way that they can understand you and follow what you are saying. We learn though using our minds and we take in huge amounts of information that way. All teaching is done by communicating something to another person so that they benefit from what they hear. however if someone speaks to you in a language you do no understand then you cannot be edified because all you hear is meaningless to you. Paul wants people to be edified and built up in the faith, so he would rather that you heard five meaningful words rather than a whole speech that you could not understand. That is his point. Tongues are just a foreign language if you don't understand what is being said. So they are useless for edifying and improving and teaching people. Regards Phil
Catherine wilkin
Supporter
I have been gifted by the Holy Spirit the gift of speaking in tongues for over 30 years and have been edified by it and drawn closer to the Lord through speaking in tongues. 1 Corinthians 14.4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31. It is one of the spiritual gifts for the body of Christ. It was valued by Paul 1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. It is a step in faith and trust in the Lord to receive the gift of tongues. It is hard for some people to accept, but it is biblical and I think people who criticize the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of other Christians run the risk of being steeped in Biblical knowledge but denying its power.
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible