Corinthians 14:4. Tongues are primarily private prayer languages, and they should bespoken in church only if there is an interpreter present to explain the meaning of the tongues. See 1 Corinthians 14:19,27,28. The church must not forbid the speaking of tongues, but only one person at a time is to speak in tongues. See 1 Corinthians 14:27,39. Many people in the church believe that the gift of tongues is no longer given to believers. Some denominations do not practice speaking in tongues. Other denominations believe that tongues, like other gifts of the Spirit, are still given and are valuable today. Let us examine how tongues were used in guiding the church during Biblical times. The Bible teaches that God spoke through the one who had the gift of tongues, and a person with the gift of interpretation could interpret what was said so that the church was edified. So the interpretation of tongues guided the church like prophesy guided the church. See 1 Corinthians 14:5,6,13,31. Paul prayed with his mind—using words that he could understand—and he prayed with his spirit—using words that he could not understand. See 1
