Note 7 at 1 Cor. 14:4: This is the second of four benefits of speaking in tongues that Paul mentions in this chapter (see note 4 at v. 2, p. 943).

When we pray in tongues, we edify (see note 4 at Acts 9:31, p. 626) ourselves. The word edify means "the act of building...the promotion of spiritual growth" (W.E. Vine). 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 (2 Cor. 1:4) and that is specifically what the gift of speaking in tongues does for us. Later in this chapter, in verse 21, Paul quotes from Isaiah 28:11-12 and specifically applies those verses to speaking in tongues. Therefore, in Isaiah 28:11-12, the Lord said that speaking in tongues was refreshing and the "rest" where with 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 1 Cor. 14:4: In context, Paul is 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 v. 5, this page) because it benefits the whole group, not just one individual. That is certainly true and understandable, but Paul is not discrediting at all the personal benefit of speaking in tongues. On the contrary, he says that anyone who speaks in tongues edifies himself (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 was no other benefit to be derived from speaking in tongues (see note 4 at v. 2, p. 945), this would be reason enough to pursue this gift.

Note 9 at 1 Cor. 14:4: This simple gift of prophecy (see note 26 at 1 Cor. 12:10, p. 930) 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.