<p>14:9 <i>So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech easily understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air- </i>This verse is a clear enough condemnation of ecstatic utterances being claimed as Spirit gifts. The speech must be &quot;easily understood&quot;. Th<i>e </i>principle of course goes wider- that if we have the love which upbuilds, then we will consider the style of our presentation to others. For our aim will be their understanding and subsequent growth. &quot;Understood&quot; translates<i> semaino</i>, usually translated &quot;signify&quot;. There must be significance to what is spoken. The &quot;tongue&quot; being spoken must be significant to the hearers. Ecstatic utterance simply lacks such significance.The hearer must be able to &quot;know what is spoken&quot;. In no way is this true of ecstatic utterances which were and are passed off as 'speaking in tongues'.</p>