Overview
The Bible addresses expediency across 31 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Corinthians and Romans. Closely related themes include Commandments, Conscience, Self-Denial and Prudence. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus.
Key Bible verses about expediency
New Testament
Romans
I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. unclean: Gr. common
But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. charitably: Gr. according to charity
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
1 Corinthians
But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. are we the better: or, have we the more are we the worse: or, have we the less
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. liberty: or, power
For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; emboldened: Gr. edified
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
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.
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:
Conscience I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? grace: or, thanksgiving
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Gentiles: Gr. Greeks
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
People in the Bible and expediency
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying expediency for yourself
- Begin with Romans 14:14, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how 1 Corinthians and Romans each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Commandments, Conscience, Self-Denial and Prudence.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about expediency?
The Bible addresses expediency across 31 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Corinthians and Romans. Closely related themes include Commandments, Conscience, Self-Denial and Prudence. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus.
How many Bible verses are about expediency?
The Bible references expediency in 31 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention expediency?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Romans 14:14: “I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. unclean: Gr. common”
Which people in the Bible are associated with expediency?
Jesus.
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