Unknown tongues

I read with interest the letter about examining tongues in the March 2 issue. In my opinion, we should never take one verse out of the Bible to prove a point. In 1 Corinthians 14:4, Paul writes, “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself, but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”

Verse 9 says, “So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? For ye shall speak into the air.” Verse 18 was the verse mentioned in the letter. “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.”

I wonder why the writer did not include verse 19 where Paul wrote, “Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousands words in an unknown tongue.”

Paul also wrote in verses 27–28, “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.” We had, at the church that I have been a member of for many years, an individual who spoke in tongues to come and join and was teaching a Sunday School class. So far as I know, speaking in tongues had never been an issue. We had a few members that left the church about this issue. Some came back; some didn’t. I’m convinced this caused confusion.

In verse 33, Paul wrote, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” I don’t think I have criticized any person that speaks in unknown tongues. I don’t appreciate someone coming into the church I belong to causing problems and confusion. I read the entire book of 1 Corinthians, and I am certain that Paul made it very clear there are many things much more important than speaking in unknown tongues.

John Oliver
Montgomery, Ala.