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?
14:7. Even things without life that give sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction of sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
14:8. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
14:9. So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue plain speech, how shall it be known what is said? For you shall be speaking into the air.