Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Corinthians 12:31

"But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you." — 1 Corinthians 12:31 (ASV)

But covet earnestly,—Better, But earnestly seek the better gifts. All this argument is not meant to check zeal and to damp enthusiasm. The Spirit divides to everyone as He wills, but He wills to give to each the best gift that each desires and is capable of receiving. The receptivity which comes with earnest and practical desire is, in the case of each individual, the determining cause as to what gift the Spirit will give.

The last sentence, And yet show I unto you a more excellent way, ought to form the opening clause of the next chapter. The “more excellent way” is not some gift to be desired to the exclusion of the other gifts, but a more excellent way of striving for those gifts. You are not to strive for any one gift because it is more highly esteemed, or because it is more apparently useful, or because it is more easily attained. That which will consecrate every struggle for attainment and every gift when attained is LOVE.