Should one exercise speaking in tongues?

[Follower Of Christ]

Any evidence over the last 100 years when a born again believer starts speaking in a known language foreign to them prior to the regeneration? For example, someone who has never spoken ancient Greek prior to being born again starts speaking it perfectly once regenerated?

Personally, I wish God gave me the ability to speak ancient Greek after being regenerated. That did not happen.

This question is not meant to downplay speaking in tongues. Every now and often I get the urge to break into a pattern of sound and utterances which was an unknown phenomenon to me prior to regeneration but then I cool down.

From 1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Speaking in tongues is associated with a heightened excited psychological state and one can never be sure that opens the door to a Satanic attack.

Lastly, and most importantly speaking in tongues can be a social equilibrium too in a church setting where some try to appear regenerated by just babbling incoherently. I say this for the true indicator of the Holy Spirit in a faithful in Christ are the fruits produced and Paul has told us what they are.

 

[Follower Of Christ]

From 1 Corinthians 14:19 "Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue."

 

[Whatever]

From 1 Corinthians 14:19 "Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue."

Sounds like you answered your own question.
You asked "Should one exercise speaking in tongues?"
Exercise = activity performed to develop or maintain fitness or a skill

Why would you want to develop this ability when Paul seems to say it is useless?
To be honest, it seems to be a matter of an ego trip - being seen by others as cool.

 

[hawkman]

If you have the Gift of Tongues you can speak in tongues as the Holy Spirit gives the utterance . It is in the Bible .

Acts 2:4 Context​

1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

 

[Whatever]

It is in the Bible .

So is this:
1Co 13:8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

 

[hawkman]

So is this:
1Co 13:8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

Yes it is ! And there is context that goes with it . The perfect has not yet come .

1 Corinthians 13:10 Context​

7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

 

[electedbyHim]

If you have the Gift of Tongues you can speak in tongues as the Holy Spirit gives the utterance . It is in the Bible .

Acts 2:4 Context​

1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

It was a real language, not ecstatic utternaces

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
Acts 2:5 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.
Act s2:6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language.

Tounges (real languages) were only for unbelieving Jews
1 Corinthians 14:21-22 In the Law it is written, “BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME,” says the Lord. So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign not to unbelievers but to those who believe.

 

[JLB]

Speaking in tongues is associated with a heightened excited psychological state and one can never be sure that opens the door to a Satanic attack.

Really? I didn't know that.

Could you share the scripture that warns us against praying in tongues?

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 1 Corinthians 14:14

Whenever I pray in tongues, my mind is at peace.

 

[hawkman]

It was a real language, not ecstatic utternaces

Of course it was and is real language , did I say otherwise ?

So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign not to unbelievers but to those who believe.

Believers do not need a sign . Prophecy in tongues or otherwise is for those that believe .

 

[electedbyHim]

Really? I didn't know that.

Could you share the scripture that warns us against praying in tongues?

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 1 Corinthians 14:14

Whenever I pray in tongues, my mind is at peace.

That is why Paul wrote 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14

The Corinthians were bringing in their old pagan practices of tongues (not real language but ecstatic gibberish).
Mysticism was widely spread in Corinth.

Corinthians and Pagan Tongues

The Corinthian church, in particular, was known for its association with pagan cults and mystery religions, which emphasized ecstatic experiences and divine revelations.

Pagan Influences

The city of Corinth was renowned for its licentiousness and immorality, as described in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and 2 Corinthians 12:21. This environment was also characterized by ecstatic practices, such as those found in the worship of Asclepius, Poseidon, and Aphrodite. The Isthmian Games, held in Corinth, attracted visitors from all over the Mediterranean, creating a hub for cultural and religious exchange.

Christian Counterfeits

In this context, some Corinthian Christians adopted ecstatic practices, mimicking those of the pagans. Paul addressed this issue in 1 Corinthians 12-14, distinguishing between the genuine gift of tongues (speaking in foreign languages) and the counterfeit, ecstatic speech inspired by Satan (1 Corinthians 14:23-25). The latter was characterized by unintelligible language, often accompanied by emotional outbursts and physical manifestations, such as foaming lips and streaming hair (1 Corinthians 14:23).

Paul’s Concerns

Paul’s primary concern was not the presence of ecstatic experiences per se, but rather their misuse and confusion with the genuine gift of tongues. He emphasized the importance of order, interpretation, and understanding in corporate worship (1 Corinthians 14:26-40). Paul also stressed the need for believers to focus on building each other up, rather than seeking to demonstrate their spiritual prowess through ecstatic speech (1 Corinthians 14:3-5).

 

[JLB]

That is why Paul wrote 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14

The Corinthians were bringing in their old pagan practices of tongues (not real language but ecstatic gibberish).
Mysticism was widely spread in Corinth.

Here is what the man who wrote 2/3's of the New Testament said -

I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 1 Corinthians 14:18

 

[Whatever]

Yes it is ! And there is context that goes with it . The perfect has not yet come .

That word "perfect" means complete. Are you going to say the Scriptures aren't complete?
They need more added to it?

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 

[electedbyHim]

Here is what the man who wrote 2/3's of the New Testament said -

I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 1 Corinthians 14:18

This has nothing to do with my post.

Paul was saying that he had more experience in speaking foreign languages than any of them. Nothing in Scripture records Paul speaking in tongues. Paul did not use the gift for self-gratification like the Corinthinas were doing (1 Corinthians 14:4).

Scripture never records Paul speaking a known language to unbelieving Jews.

 

[JLB]

This has nothing to do with my post.

Paul was saying that he had more experience in speaking foreign languages than any of them. Nothing in Scripture records Paul speaking in tongues. Paul did not use the gift for self-gratification like the Corinthinas were doing (1 Corinthians 14:4).

Scripture never records Paul speaking a known language to unbelieving Jews.

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 1 Corinthians 14:14


You err not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God.

 

[Follower Of Christ]

Really? I didn't know that.

Could you share the scripture that warns us against praying in tongues?

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 1 Corinthians 14:14

Whenever I pray in tongues, my mind is at peace.

Let me clarify. Mainly, I wanted to ask is it beneficial in your perspective if one speaks in tongues in public say at church with others? Paul says no unless another interprets so as to edify the church. And if some people in a church together pretend to speak in tongues don't we just have a situation that some are just built up psychologically maybe via peer pressure to conform in shape but not substance to what scripture states speaking in tongues implies?

By the way, I am spiritually at peace with or without speaking in tongues, in public or private yet sometimes I speak in tongues only in the privacy of my home. Again I am spiritually in peace and communing with the Holy Ghost when I do so but in me there is also a strong sensation of the terrifying power of the entity that I am communing with and also of the adversary watching what I do. In that sense many times I stop and just resort to praying in a language known to me. God is busy with many things and I do not want to overstay my welcome in him providing an audience after all.

However, I am very interested in your thoughts about speaking in tongues. Whether you still do so, to what extent or did so in the past and stopped. Any contribution is welcome.

 

[electedbyHim]

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 1 Corinthians 14:14


You err not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God.

You err not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God.

Is that because I do not agree with your opinion?

If you did a historical study of Corinthian chrurch at the time that 1 and 2 Corinthians were written you would understand why Paul wrote to them the way he did.

There is a lot of sarcasm in Pauls writings, if you did not know this.

 

[JLB]

Let me clarify. Mainly, I wanted to ask is it beneficial in your perspective if one speaks in tongues in public say at church with others?

If it is a tongues message from the Spirit with someone interpreting the message.

26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 1 Corinthians 14:26-31

 

[hawkman]

That word "perfect" means complete. Are you going to say the Scriptures aren't complete?
They need more added to it?

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The perfect is come when we get to heaven/New Jerusalem , at least that is my thoughts and other agree .

https://www.gotquestions.org/perfect-1Corinthians-13-10.html


When we all get to heaven,
what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
we'll sing and shout the victory! Lidie H. Edmunds

Great song !

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

The phrase "speaking in tongues" itself is meaningless, please specify WHAT exactly do you speak. Babbling or muttering is not speaking in tongues. In Acts 2, the disciples praised God in foreign languages, so according to that example, if you praised God in French or Spanish or any other foreign language, that would be "speaking in tongue".

 

[Follower Of Christ]

Let me add "Behold The Bridegroom" from William G. Schell. May you all have plenty of oil when the hour arrives! Tongues or no tongues we all need a bit of cheer every now and then in these times of watching and waiting.

1. We’re nearing the closing of time’s mortal year,
   God’s kingdom doth now as ten virgins appear,
   With lamps trimmed and burning, a light to their feet,
   They’re all going forward the Bridegroom to meet.
   • Refrain:
     Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,
     Behold, the Bridegroom cometh;
     Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,
     Go ye out to meet Him.
2. With oil in their vessels the wise forward go,
   Their lamps shining bright and their hearts white as snow,
   They’re ready each moment to welcome the Lord,
   Who shortly will take them to gain their reward.
3. The foolish go forward without any oil,
   They’re just as contented as those who have oil;
   They trust in the future the oil to supply,
   They’ll wake soon to find that their lamps are all dry.
4. Lo, now, just at midnight, the watchman they hear;
   “Awake from your slumber, the Bridegroom is near”;
   Their lamps to prepare now the foolish arise,
   “Our lamps are gone out!” they all cry in surprise.
5. The foolish to wise say, “Give us of your oil”;
   “Not so, lest there be not enough for us all;
   Go, buy for yourselves from the merchants who sell”;
   They start, but, “Too late!” in their anguish they tell.
6. Lo, now comes the Bridegroom with angelic host,
   All those who are ready go into the feast;
   The door being closed come the foolish to knock,
   “Depart,” saith the Lord, “I indeed know you not.”