praying hands over a holy bible

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.” – 1 Cor 14:39

Paul exhorts us that we are to “covet to prophesy” . . .
Merriam Webster gives this definition for the word Covet…

• To wish for earnestly (covet an award)

• To desire (what belongs to another) inordinately or culpably
Strong’s Concordance gives us this interpretation:

• From G2205; “to have warmth of feeling for or against: – affect, covet (earnestly), (have) desire, (move with) envy, be jealous over, (be) zealous (-ly affect).”

We are told in the word to covet the best gifts (1 Cor 12:31) and to covet to prophesy. This is the only place in the bible where God encourages us to covet something! With this in mind, walk assuredly that one who prophesies is in the will of God and a doer of the Word.

God has called us to walk in the realm of the prophetic with boldness and confidence. Boldness overtakes us when we know we are in the will of God. Confidence comes when we consistently prophesy with the mind of Christ.

Realize that there is more depth to the Word than just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ as we are sometimes so satisfied with receiving. Have you heard the expression, “The Word behind the Word?” When you read scripture, when applicable, learn to see it through the Prophesier’s Eye. Have a knowing that The Greater One is on the inside of you and He has parted the spiritual veil so you can see with His Eyes and hear with His Ears. You can study the Word with greater discernment. Take a moment and look at these following scriptures with your new prophetic lens, and your sharpened spiritual discernment. Begin to allow the scriptures to speak to you from a prophetic voice.

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” – Prov 15:2

Discernment tells us that the wise prophesier uses his tongue to speak correctly.

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”
– 1 Co 14:3

With the Truth God reveals to him concerning others, he only speaks to edifiy, exhort, and comfort. He does not brow beat or manipulate with his words. He holds nothing over anyone’s head. He does not confront but directs them forward to God’s destined plan. He is disciplined in his speech.

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” – Prov 15:3

Discernment tells us that as we stand to prophesy, God’s eyes through us are discerning what is in the heart of man. God’s eyes are revealing the good and bad. The veil is lifted and we can see truth.

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” – Prov 15:4

Discernment and understanding tells us that when we stand to minister prophetically, our tongue should speak wholesomely as a tree of life that builds up. If we have not dealt with our past failures, wounds, or disappointments, our prophetic flow will be tainted and can cause damage to those that hear.

The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.“- Prov 15:7

Discernment tells us to always remember, that out of our spirit and through our lips come words that flow from the river of God. Properly disciplined and trained prophetic speech is like the Waters of Life that nurtures those to whom we are sent to minister.

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” – Prov 15 23

Beloved, please always remember we are always on an assignment from God to  prophesy, “The Word of the Lord,” in due season.  We must be those that speak to edify, exhort and comfort.