Who is edified when someone speaks in an unknown tongue versus when someone prophesies?
According to the book, the one speaking in an unknown tongue edifies himself alone, which amounts to an ego trip. The one who prophesies, speaking forth the word of God, edifies the whole congregation, lifting, supporting, enlarging, exhorting, and comforting all who hear.
Les explains that verse 4 gives the contrast: the person speaking in an unknown tongue, in the singular, edifies himself. The one who prophesies, however, speaks forth the word of God and edifies the whole congregation. Les clarifies that edification means to lift people up, support them, and enlarge them. Those with the gift of speaking God's word were enhancing the congregation, helping all who heard them, and they exhort and comfort. So a tongues experience, according to the book, ends up edifying self, an ego trip, while prophecy edifies the congregation.
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
More Questions
According to 1 Corinthians, who is edified when someone claims a tongues experience?
When someone claims to have had a tongues experience, according to the book they are edifying themselves, which is an ego trip.