Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:19

"howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue." — 1 Corinthians 14:19 (ASV)

Having said that he has the ability to speak in foreign tongues more than all of them (an ability he could properly use), Paul hastens to add he would rather speak a few words in a language the church knows so that they might grow spiritually.