5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies ewere scattered in the wilderness.

6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as fthey also lusted. 7 gAnd do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, h“The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 iNor let us commit sexual immorality, as jsome of them did, and kin one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us 1tempt Christ, as lsome of them also tempted, and mwere destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as nsome of them also complained, and owere destroyed by pthe destroyer. 11 Now 2all these things happened to them as examples, and qthey were written for our 3admonition, rupon whom the ends of the ages have come.

12 Therefore slet him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but tGod is faithful, uwho will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to 4bear it.

Flee from Idolatry

14 Therefore, my beloved, vflee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wwise men; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 xThe cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the 5communion of the blood of Christ? yThe bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For zwe, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.

18 Observe aIsrael bafter the flesh: cAre not those who eat of the sacrifices 6partakers of the altar? 19 What am I saying then? dThat an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles esacrifice fthey sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 gYou cannot drink the cup of the Lord and hthe cup of demons; you cannot partake of the iLord’s table and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we jprovoke the Lord to jealousy? kAre we stronger than He?

All to the Glory of God

23 All things are lawful 7for me, but not all things are lhelpful; all things are lawful 7for me, but not all things 8edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one mthe other’s well-being.

25 nEat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; 26 for o“the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”

27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, peat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it qfor the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; 9for r“the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” 29 “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For swhy is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? 30 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food tover which I give thanks?

31 uTherefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 vGive no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just was I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.