Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law also say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.’ Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Or does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was indeed written for our sake, for whoever ploughs should plough in hope and whoever threshes should thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we still more? (1Corinthians 9: 8-12)

Insisting on what I am due - requiring that I be treated fairly - can be treacherous.

There is a standard of fairness that when broken is offensive. The ox should be able to eat of the grain which it is threshing.

But if the ox stops threshing to chew in peace it will be beaten.

What is a fair exchange of value? Is it fair that the ox - on which both plowing and threshing largely depend - receives such a small share of the crop?

Paul insists that he is due much but has chosen not to claim what he is due.