1 Corinthians 14:6
Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
Coming to others speaking with tongues gives them no profit unless the speech conveys something they can understand, whether revelation, knowledge, prophesying, or doctrine and teaching. Speaking in tongues benefits the hearers and the church only when it communicates intelligible revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or instruction.
Tongues without interpretation edify only the speaker, while prophesying edifies the church. The same principle holds for lifeless sounds such as a pipe or harp, which are useless unless they give a distinction in the sounds.
Unintelligible speech is not a genuine gift from God. Noisy excitement and false tongues do not prove faith, for their fruit is harmful rather than spiritually beneficial.
The verse means truth must be intelligently received in the heart, kept in memory, stood in, practiced in every respect, held fast as the word of life, and perseveringly communicated to others. General assent, a changing religion, or childish understanding is believing in vain. To stake eternity on deception in this way is a terrible calamity so late in this world's history.