Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Our shout-out today goes to Eric Plummer from Huntersville, NC. Thanks for your partnership in Project23. We cannot do this without donors like you.

Our text today is 1 Corinthians 14:1-5.

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. — 1 Corinthians 14:1-5

If your version of spiritual expression cannot be understood, it will not build up the church.

That is Paul's opening correction, in a chapter that is full of corrections. But here is how he begins.

"Pursue love." — 1 Corinthians 14:1

His correction in this chapter does not drift away from the unpoetic hardcore love of Chapter 13. Gifts are good, and we should desire them. But we must measure them rightly.

But next, Paul contrasts tongues and prophecy to demonstrate how to regulate them. Tongues without interpretation speak to God with personal edification. Prophecy speaks to people, edifying the church.

One edifies the individual. The other edifies the church.

And Paul is unapologetic about which one he prioritizes.

He would rather speak ten words that edify a church than ten thousand words that don't.

Adding spiritual intensity to a spiritual gift is not a display of maturity in the church. Volume is not power in a church. Private ecstasy is not corporate edification in a church.

Because the Spirit's work is never self-exalting. It is Christ-exalting and church-building.

If any church gathering leaves you confused or overwhelmed—but not edified in truth—Paul would call that a miss.

The questions are simple:

1. Did the church understand?
2. Did the church grow?

Growth and understanding are love applied to the church and, therefore, true edification. Don't confuse intensity with maturity — the Spirit builds through clarity.

DO THIS:

When you gather for worship this week, evaluate what builds others up—not what excites you most. Prioritize clarity in your speech, prayers, and encouragement.

ASK THIS:

1. Do I equate emotional intensity with spiritual depth?
2. Would an unbeliever understand what is happening in my church?
3. Am I seeking personal expression—or corporate strengthening?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, keep me from confusing spectacle with maturity. Teach me to value clarity, truth, and edification above personal experience. Build your church through speech that strengthens, not impresses. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Speak, O Lord"