1 Corinthians 14:5

“I would that ye all spake with tongues, etc.] This the apostle says, to prevent being misunderstood; for his view was not to bring the gift of tongues into contempt, or to represent it as at all times, and on all occasions, useless and insignificant; nor would he be thought to envy them this gift, or beat them off of desiring it; for, for his own part, he could wish they all had it, was it the will of God; though he must needs say, that prophesying was most desirable by him, as being most profitable; but rather that ye prophesied; he wished them all prophets, as Moses did all the Lord’s people; he was not against their speaking with tongues, but this was the most eligible, for which he gives…”

“Translate, "Now I wish you all to speak with tongues (so far am I from thus speaking through having any objection to tongues), but rather IN ORDER THAT (as my ulterior and higher wish for you) ye should prophesy." Tongues must therefore mean languages, not ecstatic, unintelligible rhapsodie (as NEANDER fancied): for Paul could never "wish" for the latter in their behalf. greater--because more useful. except he interpret--the unknown tongue which he speaks, "that the Church may receive edifying (building up)."”

“I would that ye all spake with tongues - “It is an important endowment, and is not, in its place, to be undervalued. It maybe of great service in the cause of truth, and if properly regulated, and not abused, I would rejoice if these extraordinary endowments were conferred on all. I have no envy against anyone who possesses it; no opposition to the endowment; but I wish that it should not be overvalued; and would wish to exalt into proper estimation the more useful but humble gift of speaking for the edification of the church.” Greater is he that prophesieth - This gift is of more value, and he really occupies a more elevated rank in the church. He is more “useful.” The idea here is, that…”

“Greater - That is, more useful. By this alone are we to estimate all our gifts and talents. 1 Corinthians 14:6”

“would: Co1 12:28-30, Co1 13:4; Num 11:28, Num 11:29 for: Co1 14:1, Co1 14:3 except: Co1 14:12, Co1 14:13, Co1 14:26-28, Co1 12:10, Co1 12:30 1 Corinthians 14:6”