1Co:14:4: He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself;
To edify is to build up:-
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost (Jude 20)
Speaking/ praying in tongues is praying in the Holy Spirit.
People that don't do it cannot understand how it works . .
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory . . . But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor. 2:7, 14)
Oh dear one, let us look at the whole passage and agument of Paul
1follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For anyone who speaks in a tongue[
a] does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.[
b]
First thing to note is this is prayer tongues, therefore, not tongues during service where interprution occurs, but let's forget about that for a moment because there is more discussion about other tongues. 3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
Note here that tongues is for self edification, unless there is an interpretor which we get to in a moment. Now we still don't know if this edification is growing or puffing up. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[
c] but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues,[
d] unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Here is that interpretation we are talking about thus we are talking about all tongues. From which we can conclude that tongue edifies self, interpretation edifies the body. A distinction that we need to be careful to make. 6Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
note that not all tongues are edifying, only those that speak mysteries of God with interpretation. Hum, how many instances of tongues would that eliminate from edification? Apparently some or Paul wouldn't have stated that it is an important distinction.
13For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
Now question for all, how do we grow if our mind does not grow along with our spirits? Do we not need some kind of understanding? 15So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
Paul answers this by saying both are necessary, spirit and mind. therefore this tongues that no one including yourself can understand is not edifying anyone, including yourself. It is only tongues with understanding that edifies. 16If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand[
e] say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.
18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Note even Paul is not quick to speak tongues in group. Important note to make when we talk about tongues in the church. Paul is reluctant to speak them because the line of edification is fine but distinct.
One more thing, I have no idea how I Cor. 2 fits your argument, it is talking about spiritual things, not tongues. Please help out here. what is your point. How does it fit the argument you are trying to make?
