Study Desk

Nevertheless, God was not well-pleased with most of them, for they were scattered along the ground in the wilderness [because their lack of self-control led to disobedience which led to death].

Now these things [the warnings and admonitions] took place as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did.

Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

I am speaking as to wise and sensible people; judge [carefully and thoughtfully consider] for yourselves what I say.

Since there is one bread, we [believers] who are many are [united into] one body; for we all partake of the one bread [which represents the body of Christ].

[Regarding meat offered to idols:] Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking any questions for the sake of your conscience,

FOR THE [whole] EARTH IS THE LORD'S, AND EVERYTHING THAT IS IN IT.

If one of the unbelievers invites you [to a meal at his home] and you want to go, eat whatever is served to you without asking questions [about its source] for the sake of your conscience.

But if anyone says to you, "This meat has been offered in sacrifice to an idol," do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who told you, and for conscience's sake—

and by conscience I mean for the sake of the other man's, not yours. For why is my freedom [of choice] judged by another's conscience [another's ethics—another's sense of right and wrong]?

If I take my share [of food] with thankfulness, why am I accused because of something for which I give thanks?

And every woman who prays or prophesies when she has her head uncovered disgraces her head; for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved [in disgrace].

If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, she should cover her head.

For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man;

for indeed man was not created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man.

Therefore the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head, for the sake of the angels [so as not to offend them].

For as the woman originates from the man, so also man is born through the woman; and all things [whether male or female] originate from God [as their Creator].

Judge for yourselves; is it proper for a woman to offer prayer to God [publicly] with her head uncovered?

but if a woman has long hair, it is her ornament and glory? For her long hair is given to her as a covering.

But in giving this next instruction, I do not praise you, because when you meet together it is not for the better but for the worse.