Freedom is a powerful gift, and the scripture affirms it, celebrates it, and defends it, but freedom without wisdom quickly becomes a burden rather than a blessing. In 1 Corinthians 10:23, Paul presents a truth that challenges how we think about choice, liberty, and self-development: “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.” (ESV)
Paul does not deny freedom; he refines it; he reminds us that being allowed to do something is not the same as being helped by it. Many lives stall, not because people lack options, but because they repeatedly choose what is permissible over what is profitable.
And this verse calls us to a higher standard of discernment: Not Can I? But Should I?
Freedom Without Wisdom Leads to Destruction
The modern life celebrates unrestricted choice, we are encouraged to follow impulses, justify habits, and defend behaviors simply because no rule forbids them. But the Scripture calls us to ask a deeper question: What is the outcome of this choice?
Paul’s statement exposes a dangerous mindset here, the belief that legality equals goodness. In essence he is saying, something can be lawful and still harmful, something can be allowed and still weaken character, dull your discipline, or dilute your spiritual clarity.
Not everything that feels good strengthens you! Not everything you enjoy builds your future! Not everything you tolerate is neutral! And wisdom recognizes that unchecked freedom many times becomes self-sabotage dressed as independence.
What Builds You Matters More Than What You Can Do
Every choice is either edifying or eroding, even when the damage is invisible at first, and the Berean Standard Bible puts it plainly: “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying.”
To edify means to build, to strengthen the inner life, the mind, the spirit, and the character. Life is not just about avoiding obvious sin; it is about intentionally choosing what constructs a stronger version of you.
So ask yourself:
- Does this habit sharpen my judgment or dull it?
- Does this relationship encourage growth or enable stagnation?
- Does this freedom move me closer to purpose or distract me from it?
Growth does not come from maximal permission; it comes from selective discipline.
Maturity is Choosing Edification Over Permission
Spiritual and personal maturity show up not in how much freedom you exercise, but in how much restraint you embrace, and again the King James Version says: “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient.”
An expedient choice is one that moves you forward, and a good Christain should choose what advances them, not merely what amuses them, and they understand that long-term gain almost always requires requires short-term denial.
The strongest people are not those who indulge in everything they can, but those who willingly say no to distractions, to indulgences, and even to harmless things that quietly consume energy meant for growth.
Freedom becomes powerful only when guided by purpose.
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Conclusion
1 Corinthians 10:23 is not a restriction; it is an invitation to live intentionally, wisely, and purposefully. God does not call us to live under fear, but neither does He call us to live without discernment.
You may have the right to do many things, but rights do not guarantee results. The question that shapes a meaningful life is not “Am I allowed?” It is “Will this build me up?”
When you choose what is beneficial over what is just lawful, your life begins to compound in strength, clarity, and purpose, and that is the kind of freedom that truly profits.
