“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are profitable. “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things build up.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 23. All things are lawful. This is the same sentiment he has expressed in chap. 6 verse 12. and in chap. 8 verse 8, 9 wherein he teaches us, that on some occasions it is necessary to abstain even from things in themselves lawful, as in the case of meats consecrated to idols. Calmet.—Two excellent rules that can serve as guides on these occasions, are the edification of the Church, and the spiritual good of our neighbour. Without the aid of these guides, we go astray ourselves and decoy others, in doing what the letter of the law permits, but what the spirit of the law, charity, forbids.