“I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.” 1 Corinthians 14:18-19
The Apostle Paul spoke in tongues.
He didn’t dismiss its use nor devalue the gift.
He spoke in tongues a lot.
He was pleased and thankful that he did.
This was done away from church, in a private setting, not in the public arena.
How about you?
Do you have the gift?
Do you speak in tongues much?
Are you thankful that you can?
In your private prayer time do you use the gift?
Yet Paul held to the 5 v 10,000 principle when in church.
5 words in your every day native language are better than 10,000 words of tongues. Simply because good communication isn’t measured by the quantity of words (tell the long-winded preacher!) but if the words have been used to influence those who are hearing you.
So we are back to the very purpose of our lives, which should be LOVE.
LOVE means what goes on in private isn’t as important as what goes on in public.
LOVE means other people’s benefit is better than yours.
LOVE means 5 is better than 10,000.
Missions Paul 