Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:4

"He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church." — 1 Corinthians 14:4 (ASV)

Paul describes the advantages of prophesying (GK 4736). Prophecy edifies the church, whereas by speaking in tongues, one builds oneself up in seeking spiritual fellowship with God. There is no mention here that the speaker understands the tongues; not until later does Paul discuss the problem of understanding and insist that the gift of interpretation should be sought by speakers in tongues (vv.13–15). “Encouragement” and “comfort” are aspects of the edifying or strengthening that comes from prophesying.