Does the Bible forbid speaking in tongues?
No. Scripture indicates that speaking in tongues is not forbidden; the final verse of the chapter states He does not forbid it. Yet Paul stresses that unless the sound is interpreted and made understandable, it cannot edify, and the speaker becomes like a barbarian to those who do not understand.
Les explains that the purpose of spiritual gifts is communication and building up the church. He points out that if a speaker does not know the meaning of the voice, he is like a barbarian, and there is no understanding between an uncivilized person and a cultured man like Paul. In the next instruction, believers zealous of spiritual things are told to seek to excel to edifying—promoting, exhorting, and lifting up the church or congregation, not just one or two but the whole group. The one speaking in an unknown tongue is told to pray that he may interpret. Les says he is not condemning tongues people, because the last verse of the chapter says He does not forbid it, but unless the sound can be reduced to something understandable, the speaker is beating the air.
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
More Questions
Does Paul forbid speaking in tongues?
Paul does not forbid speaking in tongues, as the last verse of 1 Corinthians 14 states.
Should we forbid speaking in tongues?
Les explains that the next verse tells believers to desire to prophesy, to speak forth the Word, because the printed Word had not yet come, and it says, "forbid not to speak in these languages." He says he will not forbid them, because this verse is a commandment from the Lord Himself not to forbid the use of languages. Yet verse 40 requires that everything in the local congregation be done decently and in order, since the primary purpose of all we do is to bring honor and glory to God. Many take these things out of context and forget that purpose.
Is it wrong to forbid speaking in tongues in church?
Verse 39 contains a commandment from the Lord Himself not to forbid the use of tongues/languages, which is why Les says he will not forbid it.
Where does the command not to forbid tongues come from?
The command not to forbid the use of languages is a commandment from the Lord Himself.