1 Corinthians 14:13-17 (WEL) So then, let him who speaks in an unknown language pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in an unknown language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 So what is best? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding, too. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding, too. 16 So when you give the blessing with your spirit, how will he who is unlearned say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, seeing he doesn’t understand what you are saying? 17 For you truly and properly give thanks, but the other is not edified.
V13 So then, let him who speaks in an unknown language pray that he may interpret.
Since the gift of languages only helps the individual speaking, we should pray to interpret the message so others can be edified.
The principle is for others to be strengthened in the faith.
V14 For if I pray in an unknown language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
It is unfruitful to the person speaking and those who hear it. No one knows what is being said, so no one else is blessed.
V15 So what is best? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding, too. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding, too.
Understanding is possible and necessary. If I want to be blessed in my spirit, I must know what is being said.
(Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible) “There can be no assent to prayers that are not understood. A truly Christian minister will seek much more to do spiritual good to men’s souls, than to get the greatest applause to himself. This is proving himself the servant of Christ.”
V16 So when you give the blessing with your spirit, how will he who is unlearned say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, seeing he doesn’t understand what you are saying?
This is common sense. May God help and remind us to communicate clearly.
V17 For you truly and properly give thanks, but the other is not edified.
Giving thanks is what we should always do. Nevertheless, no one is benefited from the message.
An application can be found in Zerr’s Combined Bible Commentary: “No one can pray with a spiritual gift now, but all should express their prayers in such a manner that the congregation may hear and understand them. If a man mumbles a prayer in an undertone, or drops his chin upon his chest, it will make it impossible for others to know what he says, and hence an “amen” after such a prayer would be as unscriptural as the prayer. I never say amen to a prayer unless I have heard every word of it, and also believe it was a scriptural prayer.”
We learn:
• The importance of others being blessed.
• The importance of God being honored by obedience.
Questions:
• What is your attitude?
• How do you try to bless others?
• Is your church strengthening the believers in the faith?