1 Corinthians Chapter 14

The gift of prophesying is to be preferred before that of speaking strange tongues.

14:1. Follow after charity, be zealous for spiritual gifts; but rather that you may prophesy.

Prophesy… That is, declare or expound the mysteries of faith.

14:2. For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man heareth. Yet by the Spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Not unto men… Viz., so as to be heard, that is, so as to be understood by them.

14:3. But he that prophesieth speaketh to men unto edification and exhortation and comfort.

14:4. He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself: but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church.

14:5. And I would have you all to speak with tongues, but rather to prophesy. For greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues: unless perhaps he interpret, that the church may receive edification.

14:6. But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either in revelation or in knowledge or in prophecy or in doctrine?