Concerning Idols
NOW concerning meat sacrificed to idols; we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
2 And if any man thinks that he knows anything: He knows nothing yet, to the degree that he ought to know.
3 But if any man loves God, the same is known by Him.
4 ¶ Therefore, concerning the eating of meat sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.
5 For even if they are called gods, whether in heaven or on the earth, (as there be many gods, and many lords),
6 But to us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ through whom are all things, and we exist through him.
7 ¶ Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol, even until now, eat meat as sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But food does not commend us to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we do not eat, are we the worse.
9 But take heed, lest this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to those that are weak.
10 ¶ For if any man sees you which has knowledge, sit at meal in the idol’s temple: will not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat meat sacrificed to idols;
11 And upon your knowledge, the weak brother is destroyed for the sake of whom Christ died?
12 But when you sin in this way against the brothers, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will not eat meat during this age, lest I cause my brother to stumble.