1Though I speak with the tongues (foreign languages) of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profits me nothing.

4Charity suffers long, [and] is kind; charity envies not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5Does not behave itself inappropriate, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; 6Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8Charity never fails: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues (foreign languages), they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12For now we see through a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13And now abides faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.