141 Pursue the love, and seek earnestly the spiritual things, and rather that ye may prophecy, 2 for he who is speaking in an 'unknown' tongue—to men he doth not speak, but to God, for no one doth hearken, and in spirit he doth speak secrets; 3 and he who is prophesying to men doth speak edification, and exhortation, and comfort; 4 he who is speaking in an 'unknown' tongue, himself doth edify, and he who is prophesying, an assembly doth edify; 5 and I wish you all to speak with tongues, and more that ye may prophecy, for greater is he who is prophesying than he who is speaking with tongues, except one may interpret, that the assembly may receive edification.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:1-5
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.