14:15
We see again the wonderful balance of the Bible. So often we want to turn things into an either/or debate. Paul, on the other hand, has taken a much more sensible approach. He has pointed out the limitations of tongues, things it cannot, and is not meant to do. So we recognise those limitations, and use the gift properly. We pray with our mind, and we pray with our spirit. We praise with our mind, and praise with our spirit. It is good to pray and praise in the spirit, but that is not all we should do. We were given minds, so we should use them too.
14:16,17
Paul then continues to give reasons for tongues not having a great part in church services and meetings. They are all related to the inability of anyone to have a clue what is being said. If we pray in a church meeting the purpose is so that we can pray together, so that others can give agreement to our prayers. Praying in tongues in a public meeting is a waste of time, we can do that at home, doing it in a public meeting adds no value.
Verse 17 gives some insight into what is actually happening when we pray in tongues, or at least one the things that will often be happening. We will be giving thanks to God. So why not do this in English, someone might ask? Because there is more than we can understand, and God has seen fit to give the gift of tongues to many, so we should trust Him that He has made a good decision! However, when I pray in tongues no one else but me is edified, and if you pray in tongues no one else but you is edified.
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