1 Now as to things sacrified to idols, we know: for all of us have knowledge. 2 Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth. And if any one think he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if any one love God, he is known by him. I say, as to the eating of things sacrificed to idols,
4 we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (as there are many gods and many lords) Yet to us there is but one God,
6 the Father from whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
7 But there is not in all men this knowledge; for some do even until now, with consciousness of the idol, eat it as sacrificed to the idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But meat commendeth us not to God; for neither if we eat, are we the better, nor if we eat not, are we the worse. 9 But take heed, lest by any means this your liberty become a stumbling-block to the weak. 10 For if any one see thee, who hast knowledge, sitting at meat in an idol-temple, will not the conscience of him that is weak be encouraged to eat of the things sacrificed to the idol? 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died. 12 But when ye sin thus against your 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.