1 Corinthians 14:4
“He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly.”
What does 1 Corinthians 14:4 mean?
Paul is making a practical point about what different spiritual gifts accomplish in a church community. Speaking in tongues builds up your own faith and spirit, which is genuinely valuable, but prophecy (speaking God's truth in understandable language) strengthens everyone who hears it. He's not saying personal spiritual growth is wrong, but he's gently pointing out that when we gather as a church, the gifts that help the whole community matter most. It's like the difference between practicing an instrument alone versus playing in an orchestra, both have their place, but one serves the larger purpose.