1 Corinthians 7:31

31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:31 in Other Translations

31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.

31 Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out.

31 and those who use the world as though they did not make full use of it. For this world in its current form is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:31 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:31

And they that use this world, as not abusing it
Such as have a large affluence of the things of this world, should use them in a moderate and temperate manner; should not squander them away extravagantly, or spend them on their lusts, and use them intemperately, which is to abuse them:

for the fashion of this world passeth away;
not the nature, matter, and substance, but the figure and form of it; for after this world is burnt up, a new one, as to form and fashion, will arise, in much more beauty and glory; all that looks glorious and beautiful in the present world, as riches, honour are all mere show and appearance, having nothing solid and substantial in them; and are all fluid and transitory, are passing away; there is nothing firm and permanent; in a little time, all will be at an end, the world itself, as to its present form, and all that is in it; when there will be no more marrying, nor giving in marriage, no more buying and selling, no more of the present changes and vicissitudes of prosperity and adversity, of joy and sorrow; these scenes will be all removed, and quite a new face of things appear: wherefore what the apostle exhorts unto, with respect to present conduct and behaviour, must be right and good.

1 Corinthians 7:31 In-Context

29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not;

30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep;

31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

32 I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord.

33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—

Cross References

• 1. ver 29; S Hebrews 12:27; 1 John 2:17