Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

"If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have [the gift of] prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And if I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing." — 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (ASV)

The excellent way discussed at the end of the previous chapter is not what is commonly meant by 'charity' (that is, almsgiving), but rather love in its fullest sense: true love for God and for humankind. Without this love, the most glorious gifts are of no value to us and are not esteemed in the sight of God.

A clear mind and a deep understanding are of no value without a benevolent and charitable heart. There may be an open and lavish hand where there is not a liberal and charitable heart. Doing good to others will not benefit us if it is not done from love for God and goodwill toward people.

If we give away all we have while we withhold our hearts from God, it will bring no profit. Nor will even the most painful sufferings. How deluded are those who look for acceptance and reward for their good works, which are as meager and defective as they are corrupt and selfish!