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[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.
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