What Does the Bible Say About Speaking In Tongues?
Scripture reveals that speaking in tongues is a genuine spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit, meant primarily for prayer and personal edification, but regulated by wisdom and order when exercised in the church.
Scripture on Speaking In Tongues
1 Corinthians 12:10
New Testament
"To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to still another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues."
1 Corinthians 14:2-4
New Testament
"For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church."
1 Corinthians 14:27-28
New Testament
"If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God."
Acts 2:4
New Testament
"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
1 Corinthians 14:39-40
New Testament
"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."
The Bottom Line
Tongues are real, but they're never the measure of a Spirit-filled life—they're one gift among many, and they must always serve the church's edification, not draw attention to themselves.
Try Today
Read 1 Corinthians 12-14 slowly, paying attention to how Paul balances celebrating the gift with restraining its misuse. Notice what he actually says versus what culture assumes.
Prayer
Jesus taught us to ask the Father for what we need, knowing He gives good gifts (Luke 11:11-13).
Father, I want to understand the gifts of Your Spirit clearly, without hype or fear. Show me what Scripture actually says about tongues, separate from what I've heard in culture or tradition. If speaking in tongues is part of my journey with You, give me wisdom to use it rightly—for prayer, for edification, never for show. Help me see that all spiritual gifts point to Jesus, not to the gifted person. Make me hungry for the gifts that build up Your church. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read 1 Corinthians 12-14 in one sitting—Paul's full teaching on spiritual gifts, including his own experience with tongues (14:18-19).
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