1 Corinthians 10:23-30

Expanded Bible

How to Use Christian Freedom

²³ “·We are allowed to do all things [^LAll things are lawful/permissible],” but not all things are ·good for us to do [profitable; beneficial]. “·We are allowed to do all things [^LAll things are lawful/permissible],” but not all things ·help others grow stronger [^Lbuild up; ^Cthe quotations were probably slogans the Corinthians used; 6:12, 13; 7:1; 8:1, 4]. ²⁴ Do not look out only for yourselves. Look out for the good of others.

²⁵ Eat any meat that is sold in the meat market. Do not ask questions ·about it [^Lfor conscience’s sake]. ²⁶ You may eat it, “because the earth belongs to the Lord, and ·everything in it [its fullness/abundance/bounty; Ps. 24:1; 50:12; 89:11].”

²⁷ Those who are not believers may invite you to eat with them. If you want to go, eat anything that is put before you. Do not ask questions ·about it [^Lfor conscience’s sake]. ²⁸ But if anyone says to you, “That food was offered to idols,” do not eat it. Do not eat it because of that person who told you and ·because eating it might be thought to be wrong [^Lfor conscience’s sake]. ²⁹ I don’t mean ·you think it is wrong [your conscience], but the ·other person might [the concience of the other person]. ·But why, you ask, [or For why] should my freedom be judged by someone else’s conscience? ³⁰ If I eat the meal with thankfulness, why am I criticized because of something for which I thank God?