Study Desk

Now concerning ^(a)things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have ^(b)knowledge. Knowledge ^[a](c)makes arrogant, but love ^(d)edifies.

^(e)If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet ^(f)known as he ought to know;

but if anyone loves God, he ^(g)is known by Him.

Therefore concerning the eating of ^(h)things sacrificed to idols, we know that ^[b]there is ⁽ⁱ⁾no such thing as an idol in the world, and that ^(j)there is no God but one.

For even if ^(k)there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords,

yet for us ^(l)there is but one God, ^(m)the Father, ⁽ⁿ⁾from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and ^(o)one Lord, Jesus Christ, ^(p)by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.

However not all men ^(q)have this knowledge; but ^(r)some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

But ^(s)food will not ^[c]commend us to God; we are neither ^[d]the worse if we do not eat, nor ^[e]the better if we do eat.

But ^(t)take care that this ^[f]liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the ^(u)weak.

For if someone sees you, who have ^(v)knowledge, dining in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat ^(w)things sacrificed to idols?

For through ^(x)your knowledge he who is weak ^(y)is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died.

^(z)And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin ^(aa)against Christ.

Therefore, ^(ab)if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.