Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:39

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

Therefore, brothers.—The practical summing up of the whole matter. Seek earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. The phraseology intimates the relative importance of the two gifts in the estimation of the Apostle, which was inverted by those to whom he wrote at Corinth. This you ought to do, but not leave the other undone.