What does 1 Corinthians 14:18 mean?

It seems one of the problems in the Corinthian church was that those with the legitimate gift of speaking in diverse languages were exercising that gift in the church services with no interpretation. Paul has made the case that this does not help the church. He will shortly forbid the practice.

Paul wants his readers to understand that he is not addressing this issue because he objects to the gift of speaking in tongues. He, too, has received that gift from the Holy Spirit, and he exercises it regularly. In fact, he writes in this verse that he speaks in tongues more than all of them.

Paul doesn't take credit for the gift or his ability to exercise it frequently. He is not boasting to earn their approval. He thanks God for the gift. Paul understands this supernatural ability is not the result of his own obedience or worthiness. That's the point he has been making since chapter 12.

His larger point in saying this is to add impact to what he writes in the following verse.