1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Now as touching things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies.… I. A PRIDE GENERATING KNOWLEDGE. "Knowledge puffeth up." One that is — 1. Merely intellectual. A stock of mental conceptions, concerning objects material or spiritual, referring to the creature or to the Creator. Now such knowledge tends to self-conceit. 2. Essentially superficial. The more superficial mere intellectual knowledge the stronger its tendency. The men who go farthest into the essence of things, take the widest view of the domain of knowledge, will be the least disposed to self-elation. II. A MAN-EDIFYING KNOWLEDGE. 1. "Charity," or love to God, is the true knowledge. Love is the life and soul of all true science. Love is the root of the universe, and you must have love rightly to interpret love. 2. This true knowledge builds up the soul; not as a house is built up, by putting dead stones and timber together, but as the oak is built up, by the appropriating force of its own life, compelling nature to deepen its roots, extend its bulk, multiply its branches, and push it higher towards the heavens. 3. This true knowledge insures the approval of God (ver. 3). In the last day, Christ will say to those who have not this love, "I never knew" — i.e., approved of — "you." This love for God in the heart converts the tree of intellectual knowledge into the tree of life. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. |
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