1 Corinthians 14, Chuck Smith teaching (C2000, 1979 to 1985)

Read as you listen: Chuck Smith on 1 Corinthians 14

Read the opening of his teaching

So Paul exhorts,

Follow after love and desire spiritual (14:1),

But rather, that you may prophecy. We were told to covet earnestly the best gifts.

Now, again, he is saying the same thing,

desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries [or divine secrets] (14:1-2).

So, an interesting verse here. If you are speaking in an unknown tongue, you are speaking to God. In other words, it is a gift whereby a man might be assisted in his worship of God, or in his communicating with God. For by communicating in tongues, because you do not understand it, you are bypassing the narrow channel of your intellect.