Note 7 at 1Co 14:4: This is the second of four benefits of speaking in tongues that Paul mentioned in this chapter (see note 4 at 1Co 14:2).

When we pray in tongues, we edify (see note 4 at Ac 9:31) ourselves. The word "edify" means "the act of building...the promotion of spiritual growth" (Vine's Expository Dictionary). Speaking in tongues builds us up (Jude 20) and promotes spiritual growth.

The Lord promised us that He would comfort us in all our tribulation (2Co 1:4), and that is specifically what the gift of speaking in tongues does for us. Later in this chapter, in 1Co 14:21, Paul quoted from Isa 28:11-12 and specifically applied those verses to speaking in tongues. Therefore, in Isa 28:11-12, the Lord said that speaking in tongues was refreshing and the "rest" wherewith you may cause the weary to rest.

Speaking in tongues is a powerful force for promoting spiritual growth and giving us refreshing and rest in trying situations.

Note 8 at 1Co 14:4: In context, Paul was contrasting the gift of speaking in tongues and the gift of prophecy that operate in the church assembly. In the church, prophecy is better than speaking in tongues (unless there is an interpretation - see note 12 at 1Co 14:5), because it benefits the whole group, not just one individual. That is certainly true and understandable, but Paul was not discrediting at all the personal benefit of speaking in tongues. On the contrary, he said that those who speak in tongues edify themselves (see note 7 at this verse).

The ability to edify ourselves is priceless. Too many Christians are dependent on others to get built up spiritually. If there were no other benefit to be derived from speaking in tongues (see note 4 at 1Co 14:2), this would be reason enough to pursue this gift.

Note 9 at 1Co 14:4: This simple gift of prophecy (see note 26 at 1Co 12:10) edifies (see note 7 at this verse) the church. Those who believe that these spiritual gifts are not for us today are depriving themselves and others of edification.