We instruct those who do not know, and exhort those who do. Thus exhortation has to do with incitation or motivation to the fulfillment of a task. Edification is the diet table for God's athletes, exhortation is the cheering section while they are in the race. Edification is the drill in the manual of arms for the Christian soldiers, exhortation is the call of the officers to attack the foe. The first is involved in getting what is needed, the second is getting involved where one is needed.
Para means near, and muthos means speech.
To comfort literally means to speak closely to one, to directly console or encourage him. We make a mistake when we confuse comfort with a kind of sticky or sickly sentimentality. The word is from fortis, which is found in such words as fortress, or fortify. It has to do with strength and defence. Edify means to build up, exhort means to stir up, and comfort means to cheer up.