What is the condition of this old world and the people in it?
This old world is under the curse, and many people in it are hurting. Because of that condition, they need comfort, support, encouragement, and edification. The best way to comfort them is by proclaiming the Word of God, which builds up, supports, exhorts, encourages, and comforts hearers.
Les explains that we are in this old world under the curse, and a lot of people are hurting. He asks how we can best comfort them, and the answer given is by proclaiming the word of God. Speaking forth the word of God speaks unto men for edification, to lift them up, support them, exhort them, encourage them, and comfort them. The context also stresses that the gift of speaking the Word of God is the number one criteria.