"On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their up-building and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up."
God attributes greater value to selfless ministry than to self-absorbed indulgence. We do need to take time for personal refreshment and enrichment, but personal development should lead to the ability to glorify God better through ministry in His church. For this reason, the gift of tongues, if not interpreted, was inferior to the ministry of prophesy --the proclamation of truth.
When sharing God's truth with someone you can see God mature them, help them remain faithful, or comfort them when they are hurting. But if you talk to someone in a language they don't understand, the words are worthless. You are no help to them at all. How then shall we love? How then shall we minister? We must minister through words people can understand.
This is not to say that tongues were worthless. They had a purpose, but the gift had to be used the right way for it to fulfill its purpose.
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