1 Corinthians 10:23-30

New International Reader's Version

The Believer’s Freedom

²³ You say, “I have the right to do anything.” But not everything is helpful. Again you say, “I have the right to do anything.” But not everything builds us up. ²⁴ No one should look out for their own interests. Instead, they should look out for the interests of others.

²⁵ Eat anything sold in the meat market. Don’t ask if it’s right or wrong. ²⁶ Scripture says, “The earth belongs to the Lord. And so does everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

²⁷ Suppose an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go. Then eat anything that is put in front of you. Don’t ask if it’s right or wrong. ²⁸ But suppose someone says to you, “This food has been sacrificed to a statue of a god.” Then don’t eat it. Keep in mind the good of the person who told you. And don’t eat because of a sense of what is right and wrong. ²⁹ I’m talking about the other person’s sense of what is right and wrong, not yours. Why is my freedom being judged by what someone else thinks? ³⁰ Suppose I give thanks when I eat. Then why should I be blamed for eating food I thank God for?