8:1  NOW ABOUT food offered to idols: of course we know that all of us possess knowledge [concerning these matters. Yet mere] knowledge causes people to be puffed up (to bear themselves loftily and be proud), but love (affection and goodwill and benevolence) edifies {and} builds up {and} encourages one to grow [to his full stature].

8:2  If anyone imagines that he has come to know {and} understand much [of divine things, without love], he does not yet perceive {and} recognize {and} understand as strongly {and} clearly, {nor} has he become as intimately acquainted with anything as he ought {or} as is necessary.

8:3  But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].

8:4  In this matter, then, of eating food offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing (has no real existence) and that there is no God but one.

8:5  For although there may be so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many of them, both of gods and of lords {and} masters,

8:6  Yet for us there is [only] one God, the Father, Who is the Source of all things and for Whom we [have life], and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through {and} by Whom are all things and through {and} by Whom we [ourselves exist].

8:7  Nevertheless, not all [believers] possess this knowledge. But some, through being all their lives until now accustomed to [thinking of] idols [as real and living], still consider the food [offered to an idol] as that sacrificed to an [actual] god; and their weak consciences become defiled {and} injured if they eat [it].

8:8  Now food [itself] will not cause our acceptance by God {nor} commend us to Him. Eating [food offered to idols] gives us no advantage; neither do we come short {or} become any worse if we do not eat [it].

8:9  Only be careful that this power of choice (this permission and liberty to do as you please) which is yours, does not [somehow] become a hindrance (cause of stumbling) to the weak {or} overscrupulous [giving them an impulse to sin].

8:10  For suppose someone sees you, a man having knowledge [of God, with an intelligent view of this subject and] reclining at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged {and} emboldened [to violate his own conscientious scruples] if he is weak {and} uncertain, and eat what [to him] is for the purpose of idol worship?

8:11  And so by your enlightenment (your knowledge of spiritual things), this weak man is ruined (is lost and perishes)--the brother for whom Christ (the Messiah) died!

8:12  And when you sin against your brethren in this way, wounding {and} damaging their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

8:13  Therefore, if [my eating a] food is a cause of my brother's falling {or} of hindering [his spiritual advancement], I will not eat [such] flesh forever, lest I cause my brother to be tripped up {and} fall {and} to be offended.