1 Corinthians 14:4
He who makes use of tongues may do good to himself; but he who gives the prophet's word does good to the church.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
In Context
3But the word of the prophet gives men knowledge and comfort and strength.
Cross References
Mark 16:17And these signs will be with those who have faith: in my name they will send out evil spirits; and they will make use of new languages;
1 Corinthians 13:2And if I have a prophet's power, and have knowledge of all secret things; and if I have all faith, by which mountains may be moved from their place, but have not love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 14:5Now though it is my desire for you all to have the power of tongues, it would give me more pleasure to be hearing the prophet's word from you; for this is a greater thing than using tongues, if the sense is not given at the same time, for the good of the church.
1 Corinthians 14:17For your giving of the blessing is certainly well done, but of no profit to the man without knowledge.
1 Corinthians 14:26What is it then, my brothers? when you come together everyone has a holy song, or a revelation, or a tongue, or is giving the sense of it. Let everything be done for the common good.
Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 14:2-6
On Spiritual Gifts. ( a. d. 57.) 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather… Read the whole commentary →