4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
4 The one who prays using a private "prayer language" certainly gets a lot out of it, but proclaiming God's truth to the church in its common language brings the whole church into growth and strength.
4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:4
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:1-5
(Read 1 Corinthians 14:1-5)
Prophesying, that is, explaining Scripture, is compared with speaking with tongues. This drew attention, more than the plain interpretation of Scripture; it gratified pride more, but promoted the purposes of Christian charity less; it would not equally do good to the souls of men. What cannot be understood, never can edify. No advantage can be reaped from the most excellent discourses, if delivered in language such as the hearers cannot speak or understand. Every ability or possession is valuable in proportion to its usefulness. Even fervent, spiritual affection must be governed by the exercise of the understanding, else men will disgrace the truths they profess to promote.