To strengthen his argument, Paul offers an illustration from the world of music. The person who speaks unintelligible sounds in the worship service is compared to a flute (or pipe
) or a harp that does not produce distinct notes. Such an instrument cannot fulfil its purpose, that of making pleasing melodies.
7 Si les objets inanimés qui rendent un son, comme une flûte ou une harpe, ne rendent pas des sons distincts, comment reconnaîtra-t-on ce qui est joué sur la flûte ou sur la harpe?