Talking in other tongues must be the most esteemed skill of all mankind.
If you are bilingual, people think you are extremely bright.
If you can read an ancient language people think you are a genius.
If you are able to speak more than two dozen languages fluently people will automatically call you the smartest man in the world.
Nevermind that speaking an unknown language does not require any great knowledge of natural sciences or philosophy.
Nevermind that speaking another languages does not mean you will be a great businessman, humanitarian, or nobleman.
Nevermind that speaking a language does not require you to speak things that are wise or true.
When people are able to speak in tongues they are revered and esteemed. It’s seen as a reversal of the curse of God (Gen 11:9); the height of human achievement. It used to be a requirement before receiving college degrees.
We learn that tongues puff up people from the Bible’s teaching about the gift of tongues in 1 Corinthians 12-14.
What we learn is that there is something more excellent than tongue talking and hardly anyone pursues it, nor does anyone esteem it greatly: rejoicing in the truth.
If we would esteem God more than men, we ought to avoid the trap of revering those who speak in tongues without understanding the truth of God.
Paul says, “Forbid not to speak in tongues”, but also “shew I unto you a more excellent way.”
For His glory,
Justin “31 languages” Johnson