1 Now, concerning the things sacrificed to idols, we know because we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
2 If anyone thinks that he has known anything, not yet did he know it as he ought to know it;
3 but, if anyone loves God, the same has been known by Him:
4 concerning, therefore, the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but One.
5 For, even if there are things called gods, whether in heaven, or on earth (as there are gods many, and lords many);
6 yet to us there is One God, the Father, of Whom are all things, and we for Him; and One Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom are all things, and we through Him.
7 But this knowledge is not in all; but some, by familiarity with the idol even until now, eat it as an idol-sacrifice; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
8 But food will not commend us to God; neither, if we eat not, are we lacking; nor, if we eat, do we abound.
9 But take heed, lest this liberty of yours become a stumbling-block to the weak.
10 For, if anyone sees you, who have knowledge, reclining at table in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be emboldened to eat the idol-sacrifices?
11 For he that is weak??he brother for whom Christ died??erishes by reason of your knowledge.
12 And thus, sinning against the brethren, and smiting their conscience which is weak, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will in no wise eat flesh forevermore; that I cause not my brother to stumble.