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.

¹² I am free to do all things; but not all things are wise. I am free to do all things; but I will not let myself come under the power of any.

⁹ But take care that this power of yours does not give cause for trouble to the feeble.

²⁹ Let no evil talk come out of your mouth, but only what is good for giving necessary teaching, and for grace to those who give ear.

¹¹ So then, go on comforting and building up one another, as you have been doing.

¹⁹ It may seem to you that all this time we have been attempting to put ourselves in the right; but we are saying these things before God in Christ. For all things, dear brothers, are for your profit.

²⁶ What is it then, my brothers? when you come together everyone has a holy song, or a revelation, or a tongue, or is giving the sense of it. Let everything be done for the common good.

¹⁷ For your giving of the blessing is certainly well done, but of no profit to the man without knowledge.

¹² So if you are desiring the things which the Spirit gives, let your minds be turned first to the things which are for the good of the church.

¹ Now about things offered to images: we all seem to ourselves to have knowledge. Knowledge gives pride, but love gives true strength.

¹ We who are strong have to be a support to the feeble, and not give pleasure to ourselves.

² Let every one of us give pleasure to his neighbour for his good, to make him strong.

¹⁹ So then, let us go after the things which make peace, and the things by which we may be a help to one another.

²⁰ Do not let the work of God come to nothing on account of food. All things are certainly clean; but it is evil for that man who by taking food makes it hard for another.

¹⁵ And if because of food your brother is troubled, then you are no longer going on in the way of love. Do not let your food be destruction to him for whom Christ went into death.

⁴ Or to give attention to stories and long lists of generations, from which come questionings and doubts, in place of God's ordered way of life which is in faith;

³ But the word of the prophet gives men knowledge and comfort and strength.

⁴ He who makes use of tongues may do good to himself; but he who gives the prophet's word does good to the church.

⁵ Now though it is my desire for you all to have the power of tongues, it would give me more pleasure to be hearing the prophet's word from you; for this is a greater thing than using tongues, if the sense is not given at the same time, for the good of the church.