Commentary of Charles Spurgeon, Adam Clarke & Matthew Henry
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have 
not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Vs.1
As Christians in general acknowledge that this chapter is the most important in the whole New Testament...
Though I speak, etc. - At the conclusion
of the preceding chapter 
the apostle promised to show the Corinthians a
more excellent way than that in which they were now proceeding.
---They
were so distracted with contentions, divided by parties, and envious of
each other's gifts, that unity was nearly destroyed.
---This was a full
proof that love to God and man was wanting; and that without this, their
numerous gifts and other graces were nothing in the eyes of God; for it
was evident that they did not love one another, which is a proof that
they did not love God; and consequently, that they had not true
religion.
Charity, or, as it
is commonly elsewhere rendered, love—agapeµ:
not what is meant by charity in our common use of the word, which most men
understand of alms....Could a man speak all the languages on earth, and that with the greatest
propriety, elegance, and fluency, could he talk like an angel, and yet be
without charity, it would be all empty noise.
Tinkling cymbal - The cymbal was a
concavo-convex plate of brass, the concave side of which being struck
against another plate of the same kind produced a tinkling, inharmonious
sound....
Q: What if any of us who bear witness for Christ with our tongues should be found to be no better than this?
I am of no more moral worth than those sounds are. I have, it is true, a
profession; but, destitute of a heart filled with love to God a---
producing meekness, gentleness, long-suffering, etc., I am without the
soul and essence of religion.
