[1] Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess
knowledge." "Knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up. [2] If any one
imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.
[3] But if one loves God, one is known by him. [4] Hence, as to the eating
of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and
that "there is no God but one." [5] For although there may be so-called
gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many
"lords"-- [6] yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all
things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are
all things and through whom we exist. [7] However, not all possess this
knowledge. But some, through being hitherto accustomed to idols, eat food
as really offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
[8] Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat,
and no better off if we do. [9] Only take care lest this liberty of yours
somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. [10] For if any one sees you,
a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, might he not be
encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? [11]
And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom
Christ died. [12] Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their
conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. [13] Therefore, if food
is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my
brother to fall.
