Thanksgiving for Restoration

1261 When the Lord made a change in Zion's fate, we were like men in a dream. 2 Then our mouths were full of laughing, and our tongues gave a glad cry; they said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them. 3 The Lord has done great things for us; because of which we are glad.

4 Let our fate be changed, O Lord, like the streams in the South. 5 Those who put in seed with weeping will get in the grain with cries of joy. 6 Though a man may go out weeping, taking his vessel of seed with him; he will come again in joy, with the corded stems of grain in his arms.

Prosperity Comes from the LORD

1271 If the Lord is not helping the builders, then the building of a house is to no purpose: if the Lord does not keep the town, the watchman keeps his watch for nothing. 2 It is of no use for you to get up early, and to go late to your rest, with the bread of sorrow for your food; for the Lord gives to his loved ones in sleep. 3 See, sons are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the body is his reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a man of war, are the children of the young. 5 Happy is the man who has a good store of them; he will not be put to shame, but his cause will be supported by them against his haters.

The Blessedness of Him Who Fears the LORD

1281 Happy is the worshipper of the Lord, who is walking in his ways. 2 You will have the fruit of the work of your hands: happy will you be, and all will be well for you. 3 Your wife will be like a fertile vine in the inmost parts of your house: your children will be like olive plants round your table. 4 See! this is the blessing of the worshipper of the Lord. 5 May the Lord send you blessing out of Zion: may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. 6 May you see your children's children. Peace be on Israel.

19 Do I say, then, that what is offered to images is anything, or that the image is anything? 20 What I say is that the things offered by the Gentiles are offered to evil spirits and not to God; and it is not my desire for you to have any part with evil spirits. 21 It is not possible for you, at the same time, to take the cup of the Lord and the cup of evil spirits; you may not take part in the table of the Lord and the table of evil spirits. 22 Or may we be the cause of envy to the Lord? are we stronger than he?

Do All to the Glory of God

23 We are free to do all things, but there are things which it is not wise to do. We are free to do all things, but not all things are for the common good. 24 Let a man give attention not only to what is good for himself, but equally to his neighbour's good. 25 Whatever meat may be had at the public market, take as food without question of right or wrong; 26 For the earth is the Lord's and all things in it. 27 If a Gentile makes a feast for you, and you are pleased to go as a guest, take whatever is put before you, without question of right or wrong. 28 But if anyone says to you, This food has been used as an offering, do not take it, on account of him who said it, and on account of his sense of right and wrong: 29 Right and wrong, I say, not for you, but for the other man; for the fact that I am free is not dependent on another man's sense of right or wrong. 30 But if I give praise to God for the food which I take, let no man say evil of me for that reason. 31 So then, if it is a question of food or drink, or any other thing, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no cause of trouble to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God. 33 Even as I give way to all men in all things, not looking for profit for myself, but for the good of others, that they may get salvation.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:19-33

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:15-22

(Read 1 Corinthians 10:15-22)

Did not the joining in the Lord's supper show a profession of faith in Christ crucified, and of adoring gratitude to him for his salvation ? Christians, by this ordinance, and the faith therein professed, were united as the grains of wheat in one loaf of bread, or as the members in the human body, seeing they were all united to Christ, and had fellowship with him and one another. This is confirmed from the Jewish worship and customs in sacrifice. The apostle applies this to feasting with idolaters. Eating food as part of a heathen sacrifice, was worshipping the idol to whom it was made, and having fellowship or communion with it; just as he who eats the Lord's supper, is accounted to partake in the Christian sacrifice, or as they who ate the Jewish sacrifices partook of what was offered on their altar. It was denying Christianity; for communion with Christ, and communion with devils, could never be had at once. If Christians venture into places, and join in sacrifices to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, they will provoke God.

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.