But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Covet earnestly, х zeeloute (G2206)] - 'emulously desire;' not with discontented 'coveting.' The Spirit 'divides to every man severally as He will' (1 Corinthians 12:11). This does not prevent our earnestly seeking, by prayer, watchfulness, and cultivation of our faculties, the greatest gifts. Beza explains 'highly esteem,' to accord with his distinction (1 Corinthians 14:1) between 'follow after charity ... zealously esteem spiritual gifts;' also, with 1 Corinthians 12:11; 1 Corinthians 12:18, the sovereign will of the Spirit precluding us from desiring gifts not vouchsafed to us. But the 'zealous desirer' meant is an earnest praying to God for the gifts the best gifts. So Delta G. But 'Aleph (') A B C read 'the greatest gifts.'
And yet, х kai (G2532) eti (G2089)] - 'and, moreover.' Besides recommending zeal for the greatest gifts, I am about to show you in addition something most excellent-literally, 'a way most way-like' to desire, 'the way of love (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1). This love, or "charity," includes both "faith" and "hope" (1 Corinthians 13:7); its fruits are the ordinary and permanent fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24). Thus, "long-suffering," cf 1 Corinthians 12:4; "faith," 1 Corinthians 12:7; "joy," 1 Corinthians 12:6 "meekness," 1 Corinthians 12:5; "goodness," 1 Corinthians 12:5; "gentleness" х chreestotees (G5544)], 1 Corinthians 12:4; х chreesteuetai (G5541)] "is kind." The Holy Spirit creates in the soul love to God, for God's love in Christ to us, and so love to man, especially to the brethren (Romans 5:5; Romans 15:30). This is more to be desired than even gifts (Luke 10:20).