1st Corinthians 8

 

1 Now concerning things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge (both the weak and the strong). Knowledge puffs up (making one proud), but (the) love (that comes from God the Father prefers) edifies (and builds up another).

2 And if any man thinks he knows anything, he does not know yet (perfectly) as he ought to know (until he knows the perfect self-sacrificial love of the Father).

3 But (rather) if any man loves God (he sees the Father has first loved him), the same (man) is known by God.

4 Now concerning, therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is no other God but one.

5 For though there are some that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, {as there is many gods and many lords,}

6 But to us (who believe) there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things exist, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom all things exist, and we (live) by (the faith of) Him.

7 However, there is not that knowledge in every man: for some with (a weak) conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered to an idol, and their conscience being weak is defiled.

8 But (we know) meat does not bring us closer to (the life of) God: for neither if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we do not eat, are we worse (for meat cannot destroy the work of God).

9 But (watchfully) consider that this liberty of yours (pertaining to what is lawful for you) so you do not become a stumbling block to them that are weak (in conscience).

10 Because if any man sees you who (are known to) have knowledge (of such things) sit and eat meat in the place dedicated to the worship of idols, will not the one with a weak conscience be encouraged to eat those things which are offered to idols (and thereby be condemned in their own heart);

11 And through your knowledge (of what is permissible) will the (faith of the) weak brother be destroyed, for whom Christ died?

12 But when you trespass in this way against the brothers and wound their weak conscience, you trespass against Christ (not considering or preferring their lives as Christ has done for you).

13 Therefore, if meat (offered to idols) causes my brother to stumble at the truth, I will not eat flesh (offered to idols) while the world stands, lest I might cause my brother to stumble.