The Use of Tongues
J. Lyth, D. D. 1 Corinthians 14:21-23 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak to this people… Examine — I. THE QUOTATION. 1. Its original force (Isaiah 28:11, 12). 2. The apostle's use of it indicates generally that the use of tongues was a disadvantage and not a blessing to the hearer. II. THE INFERENCE. 1. Tongues a sign — not for the believer who did not require it, but for the unbeliever, as a proof of Divine power. 2. Prophesying, on the contrary, could not benefit the unbeliever, who resisted the truth, but the believer by promoting his edification. (J. Lyth, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. WEB: In the law it is written, "By men of strange languages and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people. Not even thus will they hear me, says the Lord."