Verse 4 Set them to judge who are least esteemed. The apostle proposes this not seriously, but speaks it, as he says in the 1 Corinthians 6:5, to their shame, that is, to show, in a clear light, how absurd was the course which they had pursued. 1 Corinthians 6:12,13. These verses are somewhat obscure. Paul evidently here passes to another subject, and the language used is generally considered as a sort of dialogue with one disposed to defend himself in his transgressions. Thus, all things are lawful for me, says the objector; to which Paul replies, that, admitting this, all things are not expedient. And so with the other clauses. This explanation, however, does not seem to be entirely satisfactory.