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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
What then? Did they edify no man? "Yes," saith he, "themselves alone:" wherefore also he adds, "He that speaketh in tongue edifieth himself." And how, if he know not what he saith? Why, for the present, he is speaking of them who understand what they say; understand it themselves, but know not how to render it unto others. "But he that prophesieth edifieth the Church." Now as great as is the difference between a single person and the Church, so great is the interval between these two. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Many who spoke in tongues could not explain what they themselves were saying. Therefore they were useful only to themselves. But the one who prophesies is useful to all listeners. Therefore, as great as the distance between benefit to one person and benefit to the Church, so great is the distance between tongues and prophecy.
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
The second reason is this: that which is useful only to the doer is less than that which also profits others. But to speak in tongues is useful only to the speaker, whereas to prophesy benefits others. He presents the middle term of this reasoning: first, in regard to its first part and he says: he who speaks in a tongue edifies himself: "My heart became hot within me" (Ps. 39:3). …
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