Question:
Should we not speak in tongues for we are told: “Forbid not to speak with tongues” (1 Corinthians 14:39)?

Answer:
Yes, we are taught to “forbid not to speak with tongues,” but that is not all that is in that portion of Scripture. Instead of desiring spiritual gifts, “seek that we may excel to the edifying of the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12).

We are also instructed: “If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God” (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).
If someone would speak tonight in the Chinese tongue, how many here would understand what was said? If no one understood, it would not edify unless there is another person that would have the gift to interpret what is said. Then we could all listen, understand, and examine the message whether it was according to the Scriptures or not. For we are to “Prove all things [by the Word]; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

 

The apostle Paul also says: “I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying” (1 Corinthians 14:5).