Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:39

"Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues." — 1 Corinthians 14:39 (ASV)

Covet to prophesy. (See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 14:1.)

This is the summing up of all that Paul had said. It was desirable that a person should wish to be able to speak, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, in such a way as to edify the church.

And forbid not, etc. Do not suppose that the power of speaking foreign languages is useless, or is to be despised, or that it should be prohibited. In its own place it is a valuable endowment; and on proper occasions the talent should be exercised. (See 1 Corinthians 14:22.)