9 This is how it is when you speak unknown languages. If no one can understand what you are talking about, you will only be talking to the wind.
10 There are many different languages in this world, and all of them make sense.
11 But if I don't understand the language that someone is using, we will be like foreigners to each other.
12 If you really want spiritual gifts, choose the ones that will be most helpful to the church.
13 When we speak languages that others don't know, we should pray for the power to explain what we mean.
14 For example, if I use an unknown language in my prayers, my spirit prays but my mind is useless.
15 Then what should I do? There are times when I should pray with my spirit, and times when I should pray with my mind. Sometimes I should sing with my spirit, and at other times I should sing with my mind.