4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
4 Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
4 Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being.
24 Don't be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
(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.
33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
33 I try my best to be considerate of everyone's feelings in all these matters; I hope you will be, too.
33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.
(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.
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
5 Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
(Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Some of the effects of charity are stated, that we may know whether we have this grace; and that if we have not, we may not rest till we have it. This love is a clear proof of regeneration, and is a touchstone of our professed faith in Christ. In this beautiful description of the nature and effects of love, it is meant to show the Corinthians that their conduct had, in many respects, been a contrast to it. Charity is an utter enemy to selfishness; it does not desire or seek its own praise, or honour, or profit, or pleasure. Not that charity destroys all regard to ourselves, or that the charitable man should neglect himself and all his interests. But charity never seeks its own to the hurt of others, or to neglect others. It ever prefers the welfare of others to its private advantage. How good-natured and amiable is Christian charity! How excellent would Christianity appear to the world, if those who profess it were more under this Divine principle, and paid due regard to the command on which its blessed Author laid the chief stress! Let us ask whether this Divine love dwells in our hearts. Has this principle guided us into becoming behaviour to all men? Are we willing to lay aside selfish objects and aims? Here is a call to watchfulness, diligence, and prayer.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philippians 2:4
Commentary on Philippians 2:1-4
(Read Philippians 2:1-4)
Here are further exhortations to Christian duties; to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, according to the example of the Lord Jesus. Kindness is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his family. Several motives to brotherly love are mentioned. If you expect or experience the benefit of God's compassions to yourselves, be compassionate one to another. It is the joy of ministers to see people like-minded. Christ came to humble us, let there not be among us a spirit of pride. We must be severe upon our own faults, and quick in observing our own defects, but ready to make favourable allowances for others. We must kindly care for others, but not be busy-bodies in other men's matters. Neither inward nor outward peace can be enjoyed, without lowliness of mind.