Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Corinthians 10:24
What does 1 Corinthians 10:24 mean?
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1 Corinthians 10:24
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This verse isn't just about being nice; it's a radical call to reorient our entire focus from "me" to "us." It flips the script on our natural inclination to prioritize our own desires, showing that true spiritual maturity is found in actively looking out for others' well-being. This is where God's love truly shines through us.
Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' tendency to prioritize their own freedoms and rights, especially concerning eating food sacrificed to idols. He's just urged them to act with consideration for weaker believers, not just looking out for themselves. This verse flows directly from that, calling them to a higher standard of selfless love and community focus, even when it might mean personal inconvenience.
Does the Bible ever tell us to be selfish? Actually, this verse flips that idea on its head. It's a radical call to action that challenges our default settings.
A New Direction
Paul isn't saying don't take care of yourself at all. The Bible is clear about responsibility and stewardship. But here, he's talking about our motivations and priorities.
In the ancient world, and still today, there's a strong pull to look out for number one. This verse, however, redirects our gaze. It calls us to a life lived outward, considering the well-being of others before our own immediate desires or advantages.
Following Jesus isn't just about personal piety; it has real-world consequences for the people around us. This verse shows us what that looks like in practice.
Concrete Love
This isn't just a nice thought; it's a practical ethic. Paul is likely thinking about issues like eating food sacrificed to idols (a major discussion in 1 Corinthians), but the principle is universal.
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This verse echoes the same principle, urging believers to look out for the interests of others rather than just their own, highlighting the importance of selfless love in the community.
Romans 15:1-2Paul directly addresses the need to please others and build them up for their good, reinforcing the idea that Christian freedom should be exercised with consideration for those around us.
1 Corinthians 8:1This earlier passage in the same letter deals with eating food sacrificed to idols and establishes the foundational concept that 'knowledge puffs up, but love builds up,' directly linking to the pursuit of the neighbor's well-being over personal rights.
1 John 3:16-18This passage emphasizes that true love is demonstrated through action, even to the point of laying down one's life, providing a powerful illustration of the selfless 'good of the neighbor' that Paul encourages.
This verse isn't just about being nice; it's a radical call to reorient our entire focus from "me" to "us." It flips the script on our natural inclination to prioritize our own desires, showing that true spiritual maturity is found in actively looking out for others' well-being. This is where God's love truly shines through us.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' tendency to prioritize their own freedoms and rights, especially concerning eating food sacrificed to idols. He's just urged them to act with consideration for weaker believers, not just looking out for themselves. This verse flows directly from that, calling them to a higher standard of selfless love and community focus, even when it might mean personal inconvenience.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' tendency to prioritize their own freedoms and rights, especially concerning eating food sacrificed to idols. He's just urged them to act with consideration for weaker believers, not just looking out for themselves. This verse flows directly from that, calling them to a higher standard of selfless love and community focus, even when it might mean personal inconvenience.
"Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor." — This verse isn't just about being nice; it's a radical call to reorient our entire focus from "me" to "us." It flips the script on our natural inclination to prioritize our own desires, showing that…
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Last reviewed October 2026