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 that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (1 Corinthians 14:1-5 KJV)
Prophecy and Tongues
In the previous chapter, the apostle preferred and advised the Corinthians to prefer Christian love above all spiritual gifts. Here, he teaches them which spiritual gifts they should value most and by what rules they should make comparisons.
He begins with an exhortation to love: “Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1). The original Greek word diokete implies eager pursuit. It is an exhortation to obtain this excellent disposition of mind at any cost, through effort and prayer—as if he said, “Whatever else you lack, do not miss this. Love is the greatest of all graces and worth seeking above all things.”
While pursuing love, they might also desire spiritual gifts, but especially the gift of prophecy—that is, the ability to interpret and apply Scripture. This would prove that they truly valued Christian love, for it aimed at the edification of others. Spiritual gifts should be desired only in subordination to grace and love. What is most valuable should be sought with the greatest earnestness.
Paul explains why prophecy is to be preferred, particularly over speaking in tongues, which the Corinthians greatly valued. Speaking in tongues appeared more impressive but was less useful, for it did not serve the purposes of Christian love. It could not equally build up or benefit the souls of others.
He who speaks in tongues speaks to God, not to men, “for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries” (1 Corinthians 14:2). What cannot be understood cannot edify. No matter how excellent a discourse may be, if it is in an unknown language, the audience gains nothing. But “he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3). True prophecy benefits others by teaching duty and offering comfort, for comfort comes through obedience and understanding.
“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church” (1 Corinthians 14:4). The one who speaks in tongues may understand and be affected by what he says, and every minister should be personally edified by his own teaching. Yet, when others cannot understand, only he is built up. The purpose of speaking in the church, however, is to edify the whole body. Therefore, prophecy—or interpreting Scripture by divine inspiration or insight—is better suited for public worship. The best and most desirable gift is the one that fulfills the purpose of love and benefits others, not merely ourselves.
Paul continues, “I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edification” (1 Corinthians 14:5). Every gift from God is valuable and should be received with gratitude, but those that are most useful should be most valued. It is a greater blessing to give than to receive (Acts 20:35), and true greatness consists in being useful to others rather than in seeking admiration for oneself. A minister’s honor lies not in displaying his gifts but in edifying the church. When he aims only at self-promotion, his influence is small; but when he labors for the good of others, his spirit and worth grow in proportion to his usefulness.