NOW as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have
knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but
charity edifieth.
2 And
if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he
ought to know.
3 But
if any man love God, the same is known of him.
4 As
concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice
unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is
none other God but one.
5 For
though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as
there be gods many, and lords many,)
6 But to us there is but
one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord
Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
7 Howbeit there is not in
every man that knowledge: for some
with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an
idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But meat commended us not
to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not,
are we the worse.
9 But take heed lest by any
means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee
which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the
conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are
offered to idols;
11 And through thy
knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so
against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make
my brother to offend, I will eat no
flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.