Proper Use of the Gift of Tongues

There is much teaching today concerning the gift of tongues. Many of these teachings are not biblically accurate. Some denominations dismiss the gifts as having ended with the death of the last apostle, while others almost demand that you speak in an unknown tongue.

To find out the truth we need to look at God's Word as a whole, not from a denominational standpoint.  

1 Corinthians sums it up for us quite well. So we'll take it verse by verse to see what the author is really trying to get us to understand.

1 Corinthians 14
1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

Paul puts love over spiritual gifts, and prophecy is most desirable of all the spiritual gifts.

In Thayer's Greek definitions prophecy is defined as

13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

In the assembly praying in an unknown  tongue is unfruitful. Paul has used two terms so far concerning speaking in tongues in the assembly, unprofitable (verse 6), and unfruitful. How can we not understand what Paul makes so clear?


15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?
17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

Paul endorses both speaking in tongues, and not speaking in tongues. Note verse 16 if you bless with the Spirit (tongue) how will they understand? Verse 17 again validates speaking in tongues for the individual, but not in the assembly.

18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;
19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

In these two verses Paul sums up what he's been saying all along. He endorses speaking in tongues and at the same time makes is very clear that in the assembly we are to speak a language that the assembly can all understand and proffit from.


20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

We are charged to be mature in understanding.


The KJV New Testament Greek Lexicon
Strong's Number: 5424    Browse Lexicon     
Original Word    Word Origin    
frhvn    probably from an obsolete phrao (to rein in or curb, cf (5420))    
Transliterated Word    TDNT Entry    
Phren    9:220,1277    
Phonetic Spelling    Parts of Speech    
    Noun Feminine     
Definition    
3.    the midriff or diaphragm, the parts of the heart
4.    the mind
1    the faculty of perceiving and judging     

 
We are to be mature in the faculty of perceiving and judging. That lays a responsibility on the believer to perceive and judge the appropriate use of the gift (in this context), as well as the scripture in general.


21 In the law it is written: "With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me," says the Lord.

In my Bible there is a reference to Isaiah 28:11


Isaiah 28:11
11 For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people

Home > Lexicons > Hebrew > Lashown
The KJV Old Testament Hebrew Lexicon
Strong's Number: 03956    Browse Lexicon     
Original Word    Word Origin    
!wXl    from (03960)    
Transliterated Word    TDNT Entry    
Lashown    TWOT - 1131a    
Phonetic Spelling    Parts of Speech    
    Noun Masculine     
Definition    
5.    tongue
1    tongue (of men)
1    tongue (literal)
1    tongue (organ of speech)
1    language
1    tongue (of animals)
1    tongue (of fire)
1    wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)     
    



The use of the word tongue in Isaiah 28:11would seem to indicate an earthly language, like what happened on the day of Pentecost. The following verse confirms this even more.


22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.

Tongues are a sign to the unbeliever only when the unbeliever can understand the language, just as it was on the day of Pentecost. They were earthly men (the 120 in the upper room) speaking many different earthly languages to the people who understood each dialect.

Acts 2:4-12
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.
6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?
8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?
 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretans and Arabs--we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."
12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"

From the context of the verse (1 Corinthians 14:22), the root Greek word, and the reference to Acts 2:1-12 we see that God prophesied this in His Word and makes it clear that this particular manifestation of the gift of tongues serves as a sign to the unbeliever.

This manifestation is clearly different than that of verse 2 where Paul says that when we speak in a tongue we speak to God. Verses 5 and 6 show the manifestation of the gift of tongues when done correctly (having an interpreter), the gift in reality becomes prophesy, and once interpreted, and edifies the whole church or assembly. (and also becomes a sign to unbelievers)

23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?

I have seen this happen with my own eyes. My friend is only one of many examples.
He lived in an apartment complex where some of my Charismatic/Pentecostal friends lived as well.

 I had been talking to my friend for about a month about the Lord and we were going fairly slowly (but fruitfully) as far as the scriptures go. My other friends had a praise and worship service in the clubhouse of the apartment complex. I saw my friend there (he was checking his mail) and we said hello to each other and when he asked what I was doing there I told him about the service and invited him to stay.

Understand that my friend had intended to stay for the entire service, he called his girlfriend and told her he would be late coming home. His intent to stay for the entire service was evident by his calling his girlfriend.

Once the service began. (Note: they did nothing at all that could be considered out of line for a Charismatic/Pentecostal meeting). They were praising God in unknown tongues, singing in unknown tongues, and some were dancing in the Spirit.  My friend only lasted about 3 minutes there, all the sudden he tapped me on the shoulder and said, "I'm outta here".

Since then there has been a spiritual wedge between us, and for good cause. Although my friends that put on the service intended only to praise and worship God with all their gifts - they really confused the unbeliever because they used their gifts contrary to the Word of God.
I believe that my friend lost a lot of respect for me that evening concerning the Word of God. Until that service we had discussed God's Word using understandable language. Since no one at the service spoke in a tongue known to him, there was no sign to the unbeliever - only confusion and a deeper resolve not to listen to the Word of God because of what he had seen.

This is a very sad chain of events and my friend is only one example. There are many others from all walks of life that I have witnessed with my own eyes. They come searching for the truth, but find only confusion. How many souls hanging in the balance do we loose because we use God's gifts contrary to God's Word?

 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.
 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

Here again Paul gives us the other side of the coin. When used in accordance with God's Word, spiritual gifts are most certainly used to win souls!  

26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

When we assemble together we are clearly instructed to edify and build up the entire assembly as a whole. Let all things be done for the edification of the assembly and not for the individual only. (See verse 12)

27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.

There are limits placed speaking in tongues, the scripture is very clear that in an assembly at the most three should speak in tongues, and even that is to be done in order one at a time. Scripture is also clear that only one should interpret. Whether it is the same one or another that interprets is not clear. In either case whether it be the same person or another that interprets there is only one that does the interpreting and a limit of three that speak in tongues at any given time in the assembly.

28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.

Paul clearly states that if a person with the gift of speaking in unknown tongues knows there is no interpreter they should remain silent in the church or assembly. This is confirmed in verses 2, 4, - 11, 13 - 17, and 19 especially.

29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.

Again we are limited to three at most, and now we are to let the others judge whether or not the one prophesying is of God or not. We are instructed to be aware of the difference between God ordained prophesy and man ordained prophesy. Paul knew that the church in Corinth was abusing the gifts of the Spirit, and we are told to let the others (implied in context as those mature in faith or possibly elders of the assembly) judge what the one speaking in tongues is saying whether it be of God or not.


30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.
31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.

Again, Paul makes a clear distinction between speaking in an unknown tongue and prophesy

Paul reiterates that speaking in tongues in the assembly is to be done in order, one at a time. The purpose of tongues during the assembly is for the edification of the entire assembly.


32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

No excuses here, we as believers have the authority to speak or not. Verse 20 advises us to be mature in understanding. We need to exercise Godly perception and judgment when we speak in tongues.  In this chapter Paul has given us all the guidelines as to when, where, and how to use the gift of tongues correctly.  

33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

God does not want disorder when we gather to praise Him, He does however want us to take full advantage of the gifts and tools He has given us. He wants us to be in one accord, of one heart, and one mind. This can not take place when we use the gifts He has given us contrary to the purpose He gave them for.


Leviticus 9:23-24
23 And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of meeting, and came out and blessed the people. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people,
24 and fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces

Leviticus 10: 1
1 Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them.
2 So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.

This account in Leviticus shows us how our Father feels about doing things our own way. When done in accordance to Gods instruction we can expect the Glory of God to be made manifest. When we do not follow the instruction God has given us how we can expect God to accept our sacrifice of praise?

34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.
35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.

I am uncertain of the exact meaning of these verses. I don't believe that Paul is commanding women never to speak or teach. Given the context of the verses one would come to the conclusion that these instructions concern order in the assembly. Whether or not women can or should speak and/or teach is another topic of  study.


36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached?

Paul speaks sternly here as a rhetorical question with the implied answer being NO. The Corinthian Church certainly did not originate the Word of God, nor was that Word preached only to them. Paul is letting them know in no uncertain terms that they are not in one accord with the rest of the Body of Christ. He tells them point blank that they are abusing the gifts given by the Spirit, and that they are using their own devices and interpretation to do so.  

37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.

Would this statement not apply to one receiving or using the gift of tongues? This verse requires the believer who operates in the gift of speaking in unknown tongues to acknowledge and obey the commands in this epistle.


38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Let all things be done decently and in order. There is a divine order to the move of the Holy Spirit. The move of the Spirit is to be done according to the instructions and commands contained in the Word of God. Can we expect God to bless us when we disobey His Word? Will God allow us the power, authority and strength contained in the gifts He offers us if we use them in disobedience?

This is not an attempt to bash any assembly, fellowship, or denomination. There is no conspiracy to discredit any organized religion. This is just a simple study in the truth of God's Word. It is my hope and prayer that when you read this you will allow the Holy Spirit to speak truth into your spirit.

My mission is to seek the truth and empower the Body of Christ by using correctly the gifts and tools God Himself gave us. We have learned from this study that there is power given to the believer to edify not only the believer as an individual, but also as a body.  We must follow the commands of the Lord before we can expect to receive the power He promised.

This simple study of 1 Corinthians chapter 14 shows without a doubt that many of today's churches are not in agreement with God's purpose for giving us the gift of tongues. Again this is not an attempt to discredit any organized religion or group of believers, it is a search for the truth.  

If the body of believers that you are involved with is misusing or not using the gifts and tools God has made available to us shouldn't we be asking why? As we read and study God's Word the Holy Spirit Himself will teach us all things.

John 14:26
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.


1 John 2:27
But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

It is critical that we read and study God's Word for ourselves in the way He wrote it. It is equally as critical to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the depth of God's Word to us as well. We must study the Word of God in its entirety, we can not pick and choose what parts we like.


Matthew 5:18
For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

Matthew 12:30
He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

Luke 11:23
He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.


It is clearly stated by Jesus Himself that there is no middle ground, you are either for Me or against Me. You either believe the whole Word of God or none of it.

If we allow any teacher, prophet, assembly, fellowship, or denomination to teach us things that contrary to the Word of God are we truly serving God, or are we serving ourselves?  If we allow ourselves to be deceived we loose out on the power that is in God's Word.

Acts 17:11
These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.


As believers we are challenged to search the scriptures daily. We need to find out whether or not the things we are taught in the assembly are true. The responsibility rests on us to be sure of what we believe.


Consider the power the early Church had. Thousands were added to the Church daily, the lame were made whole, the dead were raised, and the entire known world was evangelized! Didn't Jesus Himself say….

Mark 16:17
15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
 

If we desire the power God has promised us, we must know and preach the entire Word of God. When we get into covenant agreement with the Word of God and His Body, which is the church, God Himself will work with us and confirm the Word we preach with His power.  

Hebrews 2:3
how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,

Discussion this article is at the Cross Roads forum