1 Corinthians, Chapter 8

1. Now concerning things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.    2. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he does not know anything yet as he ought to know.    3. But if anyone loves God, the same is known by him.    4. 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 things that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (as there are many gods, and many lords,)    6. But to us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.    7. However there is not in everyone that knowledge: for some with scruples concerning the idol to this hour eat it as a thing offered 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; nor, if we do not eat, are we the worse.    9. But be careful so that this liberty of yours does not by any means become a stumbling block to those who are weak.    10. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge sit at dinner in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him who is weak be encouraged to eat those things which are offered to idols;    11. And through your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?    12. But when you sin so against fellow believers, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.    13. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, so that I do not cause my brother to stumble.