Be Sensitive to Conscience

1Now as touching things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies.   fills with pride; love; builds up

2And if any man think that he knows any thing, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

3But if any man love God, the same is known of Him.

4As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.   DEU 6:4; EX 34:15

5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him.   MAL 2:10

7However there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol to this hour eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.   understanding

8But meat commends us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.   food

9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your^p become a stumbling-block to them that are weak.   care; freedom

10For if any man see you which has knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;   eat; strengthened

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

12But when you^p sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you^p sin against Christ.

13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother to offend.   stumble