John Calvin 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)

Seek after the more excellent gifts. It might also be rendered—Value highly; and it would not quite fit with the passage, though it makes little difference to the meaning; for Paul exhorts the Corinthians to esteem and desire especially those gifts that are most conducive to edification.

This fault prevailed among them—that they aimed at show rather than usefulness. Hence, prophecy was neglected, while languages sounded forth among them, with great show, indeed, but with little profit.

He does not, however, address individuals, as though he wished that everyone should aspire to prophecy or the office of teacher. Instead, he simply recommends to them a desire to promote edification, so that they may apply themselves more diligently to those things that are most conducive to edification.