I Corinthians 13:1 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”
In extraordinarily strong terms, Paul emphasizes the blessedness of “charity” (love in action, demonstrated by word and deed) (I Corinthians 13:1-13). He contrasts the blessedness of “charity” to those who have great natural ability, wealth, position, and strength but “have not charity”. A man might be able to “speak with the tongues of men and of angels”; that is, he might be able to speak perfectly in many languages and speak with the eloquence and grace and power “of angels”; but, without “charity” he is useless and annoying. The “sounding brass” and “tinkling cymbal” are musical instruments that make their sound and then they sit cold and still without value. Without the tuning and harmony of gracious “charity”, the “sounding brass” and “tinkling cymbal” just make a lot of noise that is most offensive and annoying to the unfortunate ears that must hear it. Eventually, like sheep fleeing from a vicious lion, the Lord’s “sheep” will flee away from those who “have not charity”.