I would that ye all spake with tongues.— How happily does the Apostle teach us to estimate the value of gifts and talents, not by their brilliancy, but usefulness. Speaking with tongues was, indeed, very serviceable for spreading the gospel abroad; but for those who staid at home, it was much more desirable to be able to discourse well on useful subjects in their own language; which might serve for the improvement of the society to which they belonged, and the conviction of such of their unbelieving neighbours as might visit their assemblies. See 1 Corinthians 14:23-25.
Related Commentaries of 1 Corinthians 14:5
1 Corinthians 14:5
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.