1 Corinthians, 8
Though an idol be nothing, yet things offered up to idols are not to be eaten, for fear of scandal.
[1] Now concerning those things that are sacrificed to idols: we know we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up 1: but charity edifieth. •
Knowledge puffeth up: Knowledge, without charity and humility, serveth only to puff persons up.
[2] And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he hath not yet known as he ought to know.
[3] But if any man love God, the same is known by him.
[4] But as for the meats that are sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is no God but one. •
[5] For although there be that are called gods, either in heaven or on earth (for there be gods many 1 and lords many): •
Gods many: Reputed for such among the heathens.
[6] Yet to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him: and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. •
[7] But there is not knowledge in every one. For some until this present, with conscience of the idol, eat as a thing sacrificed to an idol: and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. •
[8] But meat doth not commend us to God. For neither, if we eat, shall we have the more: nor, if we eat not, shall we have the less.
[9] But take heed lest perhaps this your liberty become a stumblingblock to the weak. •
[10] For if a man see him that hath knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not his conscience, being weak, be emboldened to eat those things which are sacrificed to idols? •
[11] And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ hath died? •
[12] Now when you sin thus against the brethren and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
[13] Wherefore, if meat scandalize 1 my brother, I will never eat flesh, lest I should scandalize my brother. •
If meat scandalize: That is, if my eating cause my brother to sin.