1 Corinthians 14:6

But now, brethren, if. come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall. profit you, unless. speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?

'This verse begins. series of arguments designed to show the uselessness of uninterpreted tongues.' (Willis p. 481)

'But now' -'For suppose' (Phi) 'What the Apostle has said touching the criterion for edification, he applies to his own approaching visit.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 903)

'if. come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall. profit you' -'And now brethren, let me bring this matter still more closely home to you. You know that. intend to come to you. (1 Corinthians 4:18-19; 1 Corinthians 11:34) Very well; suppose. came speaking only in tongues, what would. profit you?...In order to see Paul's point the Corinthians need only to think of his coming visit and of his speaking to them only with tongues throughout that visit. What profit would they have from that visit?' (Lenski p. 582)

'unless' -the only speech that is profitable is speech that the audience understands! Preachers and teachers need to keep this in mind.

'either by way of revelation..knowledge..prophesying, or of teaching?' -All these refer to means and or gifts of revealing truth in the language of your audience. 'Revelation comes through the prophet, knowledge through the teacher.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 903)