1 ¶ Now in regard to meat sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

2 The man who thinks that he knows something, does not yet know anything as he ought to know.

3 But the man who loves God, is known by God.

4 ¶ Therefore when it comes to eating meat that has been offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol has no real existence in the world, and that there is no God but one.

5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there are many idols, both of gods and of lords,)

6 Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him.

7 ¶ However not all men have that knowledge: for some have been so accustomed to idols in the past that they eat such meat as a sacrifice to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

8 But food does not affect our standing with God: we are no better if we eat, and no worse if we do not eat.

9 Nevertheless be careful that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to those who are weak.

10 For if any one with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols;

11 And this weak brother, for whom Christ died, perish through your knowledge?

12 In this way by sinning against the brethren, and by wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

13 Therefore, if what I eat becomes a snare to my brother, I will never eat meat again, rather than cause him to fall.