Paul returns to an argument he used when talking about sexual morality, and now applies it generally. "Everything is permissible", some were saying, but Paul counters by saying not everything is constructive or beneficial. The motivating force should be to seek the good of others above yourself.
With regard to eating meat, then on the whole it was fine to eat anything, whether it had been offered to idols or not. If at an unbelievers house, then don't go looking for trouble, ie don't go looking for things to be "wrong". However, if the host was making a great play of the meat having been offered to an idol, then don't eat.
In today's terms we might say if someone gives you a mug with a zodiac sign on it, but makes nothing of it, then just drink the coffee and don't worry about it, it probably means nothing to the host either. However, if the person then makes a big play of horoscopes and so on, then it would be right to say something.
So Paul's guiding principle in all this is the good of others. Note also that we should be very wary about laying down little rules, all they do is cause problems.
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