Bible Verses About Language: Sometimes abused

For hee that speaketh a strange tongue, speaketh not vnto men, but vnto God: for no man heareth him: howbeit in the spirit he speaketh secret things.

But he that prophecieth, speaketh vnto me to edifying, and to exhortation, and to comfort.

He that speaketh strange language, edifieth himselfe: but hee that prophecieth, edifieth the Church.

I would that ye all spake strange languages, but rather that ye prophecied: for greater is hee that prophecieth, then hee that speaketh diuers tongues, except hee expound it, that the Church may receiue edification.

And nowe, brethren, if I come vnto you speaking diuers tongues, what shall I profite you, except I speake to you, either by reuelation, or by knowledge, or by prophecying, or by doctrine?

Moreouer things without life which giue a sounde, whether it be a pipe or an harpe, except they make a distinction in the soundes, how shall it be knowen what is piped or harped?

And also if the trumpet giue an vncertaine sound, who shall prepare himselfe to battell?

So likewise you, by the tongue, except yee vtter wordes that haue signification, howe shall it be vnderstand what is spoken? for ye shall speake in the ayre.

There are so many kindes of voyces (as it commeth to passe) in the world, and none of them is dumme.

Except I know then the power of ye voyce, I shall be vnto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh, shalbe a barbarian vnto me.

Euen so, forasmuch as ye couet spirituall giftes, seeke that ye may excell vnto the edifying of the Church.