1 Corinthians 8
1 Now in regard to food which has been offered to idols, we are sure of course that "we all have knowledge." But knowledge puffs up, while love builds up.
Now concerning those things that are sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up; but charity edifieth.
2 If a man thinks that he already has knowledge, he does not yet truly know as he ought to know;
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he hath not yet known as he ought to know.
3 but if a man loves God, he is known by him.
But if any any love God, the same is known by him.
4 Now as to eating food that has been offered to idols, we know well that an idol has no real existence in the universe, and that there is no God but One.
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 though there be so-called "gods," celestial of terrestrial, as indeed there are gods many and lords many,
For although there be that are called gods, either in heaven or on earth (for there be gods many, and lords many).
6 yet for there is one God, 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.
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 that "knowledge" is not possessed by all; but some, accustomed until now to the idol, eat food as that which has actually been offered to an idol, and so their conscience, being still weak, is defiled.
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 Now food does not bring us nearness to God. Neither if we eat do we gain any advantage, nor if we eat not, do we lose any.
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 see to it lest this right of yours become a stumbling-block to the weak.
But take heed lest perhaps this your liberty become a stumblingblock to the weak.
10 For if any one should see you, the possessor of "knowledge," reclining at table in an idol’s temple, would not his conscience, if he were weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols?
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 So he is lost, this weak man, lost by your "knowledge." this brother for whom Christ died.
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ hath died?
12 In so sinning against your brothers, and in ever and again wounding their weak consciences, you are sinning against Christ.
Now when you sin thus against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
