< 1 Corinthians 8 >
1 And concerning sacrifices to idols, we know, that in all of us there is knowledge; and knowledge inflateth, but love edifieth.
2 And if any one thinketh that he knoweth any thing he knoweth nothing yet, as he ought to know it.
3 But if any one loveth God, that man is known of him.
4 As to the eating of the sacrifices of idols, therefore, we know that an idol is nothing in the world; and that there is no other God, but one.
5 For although there are what are called gods, whether in heaven, or on earth, (as there are gods many, and lords many, )
6 yet to us, on our part, there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord, Jesus the Messiah, by whom are all things, and we also by him.
7 But there is not this knowledge in every man; for there are some, who, to the present time, in their conscience, eat it as an offering to idols; and because their conscience is weak, it is defiled.
8 But food doth not bring us near to God; for if we eat, we do not abound; and if we eat not, we are not in want.
9 See to it, however, lest this your authority become a stumbling-block to the weak.
10 For if one should see thee in whom there is knowledge, reclining in the temple of idols, will not his conscience, seeing he is a weak person, be encouraged to eat what is sacrificed?
11 And by thy knowledge, he who is feeble, and on account of whom the Messiah died, will perish.
12 And if ye thus sin against your brethren, and wound the consciences of the feeble, ye sin against the Messiah.
13 Wherefore, if food is a stumbling-block to my brother, I will for ever eat no flesh, lest I should be a stumbling-block to my brother. (aiōn )
