John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:7

"Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they give not a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?" — 1 Corinthians 14:7 (ASV)

Indeed, even things without life. He presents analogies, first from musical instruments, and then from the nature of things in general, since there is no voice that does not have some unique quality suitable for distinguishing it. “Even things without life,” says he, “instruct us.” It is true that there are many random sounds or crashes without any modulation, but Paul speaks here of voices in which there is some artistry, as if he had said, "A man cannot give life to a harp or flute, but he makes it produce a sound that is regulated in such a way that it can be distinguished. How absurd then it is that even people, endowed with intelligence, should utter a confused, indistinguishable sound!"

However, we must not enter here into any detailed discussion about musical harmonies, since Paul has merely taken what is commonly understood; such as, for example, the sound of the trumpet, which he speaks of shortly afterward, for it is so effective in raising the spirits that it rouses—not only people, but even horses. Thus, it is related in historical records that the Lacedemonians, when joining battle, preferred to use the flute, so that the army would not, at the first charge, rush forward against the enemy with too keen an attack. In short, we all know by experience what power music has in stirring people’s feelings, so that Plato affirms, and not without good reason, that music has a very significant effect in influencing, in one way or another, the customs of a state. To speak into the air is to beat the air (1 Corinthians 9:26) to no purpose. "Your voice will not reach either God or man, but will vanish into air."