A Question

[dmdar]

I had a question- there are 2 scriptures. One is "I will set no unclean thing before my eyes" -Psalms 101:3, another is "All things are permissible for you, but not all things are beneficial" -1 Corinthians 10:23.

On one hand I believe it says all things are permissible for the believer, but it also says we are not supposed to even look at anything not pleasing to God. I was wondering how things work out between these 2 scriptures? What do these scriptures mean? There are believers out there that justify consuming alcohol (wine) with the scripture in Psalms 101:3. I do not believe this is right, are they correct in their belief, is it permissible? Thanks

 

[Nancy]

Jesus Himself drank wine but NEVER abused it. Did He sin?

 

[HealthyShape]

New International Version
I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.

English Standard Version
I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.

It does not say "unclean".

 

[ScottA]

I had a question- there are 2 scriptures. One is "I will set no unclean thing before my eyes" -Psalms 101:3, another is "All things are permissible for you, but not all things are beneficial" -1 Corinthians 10:23.

On one hand I believe it says all things are permissible for the believer, but it also says we are not supposed to even look at anything not pleasing to God. I was wondering how things work out between these 2 scriptures? What do these scriptures mean? There are believers out there that justify consuming alcohol (wine) with the scripture in Psalms 101:3. I do not believe this is right, are they correct in their belief, is it permissible? Thanks

There are probably better verses to make your point--but I get your question.

First, wine is not a problem (although it can be), in fact it is quit biblical. The problem is intoxication--or being intoxicated with other spirits than the Spirit of God.

As for your actual question, the point and message of "All things are permissible for you, but not all things are beneficial", is that because of the freedom we have in Christ we can walk in the rain, get, wet--as well as any number of other analogies that would seem to have consequences--and not perish...not ultimately. If we did, then the saying, "though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25) is what will actually occur. Which means, if we believe in Him, even if we perish from this world, we shall be alive in Christ forevermore. The point is, those consequences we need not fear...but there is also no benefit to them in this worldly life.

As for things we should not set before our eyes, life is just easier if we don't expose ourselves to temptations any more than we have to. Sometimes, however, we may have to. In other words, if one is an alcoholic, it would be best to avoid going into bars. But if a dear friend has shown signs of being receptive to believing in Christ, is getting married and having a reception at a bar--you may want to go, because not to go may mean everyone else in attendance is a drunk, which may turn your friend back and away from God instead of seeing your light of Christ in you shine in that darkness.

 

[MonoBiblical]

I had a question- there are 2 scriptures. One is "I will set no unclean thing before my eyes" -Psalms 101:3, another is "All things are permissible for you, but not all things are beneficial" -1 Corinthians 10:23.

On one hand I believe it says all things are permissible for the believer, but it also says we are not supposed to even look at anything not pleasing to God. I was wondering how things work out between these 2 scriptures? What do these scriptures mean? There are believers out there that justify consuming alcohol (wine) with the scripture in Psalms 101:3. I do not believe this is right, are they correct in their belief, is it permissible? Thanks

What are the all? You need the context before it.

 

[Davy]

I had a question- there are 2 scriptures. One is "I will set no unclean thing before my eyes" -Psalms 101:3, another is "All things are permissible for you, but not all things are beneficial" -1 Corinthians 10:23.

On one hand I believe it says all things are permissible for the believer, but it also says we are not supposed to even look at anything not pleasing to God. I was wondering how things work out between these 2 scriptures? What do these scriptures mean? There are believers out there that justify consuming alcohol (wine) with the scripture in Psalms 101:3. I do not believe this is right, are they correct in their belief, is it permissible? Thanks

David coveted another man's wife, Bath-sheba. In that sense, he was setting an unclean 'act'... before his eyes. Wickedness, and not taking part is one of the subjects David was pointing to in that Psalms 101 Chapter.

Those in Christ need to be careful to not fall into 'absolutism' regarding God's Word. Clearly Apostle Paul did not mean it's OK for us to go and do anything we want, otherwise he would not have taught against breaking God's law per 1 Timothy 1 and back in 1 Corinthians 6. Liberty in Christ Jesus is not liberty to sin, which is something Paul also said.

1 Cor 10:23-33
23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
28 But if any man say unto you, "This is offered in sacrifice unto idols", eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
KJV

 

[Soyeong]

I had a question- there are 2 scriptures. One is "I will set no unclean thing before my eyes" -Psalms 101:3, another is "All things are permissible for you, but not all things are beneficial" -1 Corinthians 10:23.

On one hand I believe it says all things are permissible for the believer, but it also says we are not supposed to even look at anything not pleasing to God. I was wondering how things work out between these 2 scriptures? What do these scriptures mean? There are believers out there that justify consuming alcohol (wine) with the scripture in Psalms 101:3. I do not believe this is right, are they correct in their belief, is it permissible? Thanks

It is important to recognize that Paul was responding to things that the Corinthians were saying by quoting them, not endorsing what they were saying. It is not the case that Paul thought all of these things were lawful or permissible:

Or do you not know that the unrighteous[b] will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.