“³⁹Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. ⁴⁰But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.”

Since there is much space devoted to tongues in this chapter and much division among those who have faith in Christ and Him crucified, we must make a few final, though not complete, comments. Paul clearly wrote, “Do not forbid to speak in tongues.” He made sure no one took his corrective teaching to mean tongues should be disallowed altogether, like those spiritual killjoys who “forbid” marriage and certain foods (1 Tim. 4:3).

However, this allowance does not mean every manifestation of so-called tongues can proceed uninhibited. Earlier in 1 Corinthians 14, the use of tongues was limited in the same way as prophecy—to two or three individuals—and further manifestations were to be suppressed. Being connected with prophecy and being limited in the same way supports the idea of tongues being used for communicating God’s Word and not for the spiritual experience in itself.

Further, we maintain that inauthentic so-called tongues should indeed be forbidden, just as so-called prophesy that contradicts revealed truth from God should be forbidden. Paul had frequently censured the Corinthians’ misuse of gifts, their use of the Lord’s Supper for personal benefit, their dismissal of role differences, their judging over food convictions, etc. But the underlying correct practices and viewpoints are to be encouraged and not forbidden.

So what do we do with those today who claim to “experience” tongues as an aid to their spiritual life? To take the tenor of Paul’s teaching, we should not divide the church over such matters in judgment. But we must teach the truth as Paul presented it. Love should predominate even when we disagree, yet we must not wash over the disagreement as though truth does not matter.

The gift of tongues was not given as a private prayer language, nor as an ecstatic experience. God intended it for evangelistic purposes firstly. The gift helps the church preach Christ and Him crucified to visitors from a different language group. Interpretation then edifies the whole body. The use of tongues is not gibberish or letting one’s spirit go free, but rather God communicating His message of truth. What has been passed off as tongues today in many places is a superficial imitation. But can God cause someone today to speak in an otherwise unlearned human language? Of course He can—He is God. That is the use of tongues that should not be forbidden.

Lord, I desire to move beyond the superficial and seek only Your genuine communication, not a personal experience.