1 Corinthians 7:31

“And they that use this world, as not abusing it, etc.] 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, etc. are all mere show and appearance, having nothing solid and substantial in them; and are all…”

“not abusing it--not abusing it by an overmuch using of it. The meaning of "abusing" here is, not so much perverting, as using it to the full [BENGEL]. We are to use it, "not to take our fill" of its pursuits as our chief aim (compare Luk 10:40-42). As the planets while turning on their own axis, yet revolve round the sun; so while we do our part in our own worldly sphere, God is to be the center of all our desires. fashion--the present fleeting form. Compare Psa 39:6, "vain show"; Psa 73:20, "a dream"; Jam 4:14, "a vapor." passeth away--not merely shall pass away, but is now actually passing away. The image is drawn from a shifting scene in a play represented on the stage (Jo1 2:17). Paul…”

“And they that use this world - That make a necessary and proper use of it to furnish raiment, food, clothing, medicine, protection, etc. It is right so to use the world, for it was made for these purposes. The word using here refers to the lawful use of it (χρώμενοι chrōmenoi). As not abusing it - καταχρώμενοι katachrōmenoi. The preposition κατα kata, in composition here has the sense of “too much, too freely,” and is taken not merely in an intensive sense, but to denote evil, the abuse of the world. It means that we are not to use it to EXCesS; we are not to make it a mere matter of indulgences, or to make that the main object and purpose of our living. We are not to give our appetites…”

“And they that use this world, as not abusing it - Not seeking happiness in it, but in God: using every thing therein only in such a manner and degree as most tends to the knowledge and love of God. For the whole scheme and fashion of this world - This marrying, weeping, rejoicing, and all the rest, not only will pass, but now passeth away, is this moment flying off like a shadow. 1 Corinthians 7:32”

“use: Co1 9:18; Ecc 2:24, Ecc 2:25, Ecc 3:12, Ecc 3:13, Ecc 5:18-20, Ecc 9:7-10, Ecc 11:2, Ecc 11:9, Ecc 11:10; Mat 24:48-50; Matt. 25:14-29; Luk 12:15-21, Luk 16:1, Luk 16:2, Luk 19:17-26, Luk 21:34; Ti1 6:17, Ti1 6:18; Jam 5:1-5 for: Psa 39:6, Psa 73:20; Ecc 1:4; Jam 1:10, Jam 1:11, Jam 4:14; Pe1 1:24, Pe1 4:7; Jo1 2:17 the fashion: Το \[Strong's G3588\], σχημα \[Strong's G4976\], the form or appearance. Grotius remarks that the apostle's expression is borrowed from the theatre, where το \[Strong's G3588\], σχημα \[Strong's G4976\], της σκηνης \[Strong's G4633\], παραγει means that the scene changes, and presents an appearance entirely new. 1 Corinthians 7:32”