23 "I have the right to do anything," you say-but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"-but not everything is constructive.
23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
23 "All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up.
23 Looking at it one way, you could say, "Anything goes. Because of God's immense generosity and grace, we don't have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster." But the point is not to just get by.
23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
23 You say, "I am allowed to do anything" -but not everything is good for you. You say, "I am allowed to do anything"-but not everything is beneficial.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
(Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-33)
There were cases wherein Christians might eat what had been offered to idols, without sin. Such as when the flesh was sold in the market as common food, for the priest to whom it had been given. But a Christian must not merely consider what is lawful, but what is expedient, and to edify others. Christianity by no means forbids the common offices of kindness, or allows uncourteous behaviour to any, however they may differ from us in religious sentiments or practices. But this is not to be understood of religious festivals, partaking in idolatrous worship. According to this advice of the apostle, Christians should take care not to use their liberty to the hurt of others, or to their own reproach. In eating and drinking, and in all we do, we should aim at the glory of God, at pleasing and honouring him. This is the great end of all religion, and directs us where express rules are wanting. A holy, peaceable, and benevolent spirit, will disarm the greatest enemies.