On food offered to idols, Paul says knowledge puffs up but love builds up. Even if idols are nothing, believers should give up a freedom if it would cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble.
1 Now as touching things offered unto idols , we know that we all have knowledge . Knowledge puffeth up , but charity edifieth .
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing , he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know .
3 But if any man love God , the same is known of him .
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols , we know that an idol is nothing in the world , and that there is none other God but one .
5 For though there be that are called gods , whether in heaven or in earth ,(as there be gods many , and lords many ,)
6 But 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 .
7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge : for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol ; and their conscience being weak is defiled .
8 But meat commendeth us not to God : for neither , if we eat , are we the better ; neither , if we eat not , are we the worse .
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak .
10 For if any man see thee which hast 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 ;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish , for whom Christ died ?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren , and wound their weak conscience , ye sin against Christ .
13 Wherefore , if meat make my brother to offend , I will eat no flesh while the world standeth , lest I make my brother to offend .