¶ To speak of things dedicate unto idols, we are sure that we all have knowledge. Knowledge maketh a man swell: but love edifieth. If any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love god, the same is known of him.
¶ To speak of meat dedicat unto idols, we are sure that there is none idol in the world: and that there is none other god but one. And though there be that are called goddes, whether in heaven or in earth (as there be goddes many and lords many) but unto us is there one god, which is the father, of whom are all things, and we in him: and one Lord Iesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
¶ But every man hath not knowledge. For some suppose that there is an idol, until this hour, and eat as of a thing offered unto the idol, and so their consciences being yet weak are defiled. Meat maketh us not acceptable to god: Neither if we eat are we the better: Neither if we eat not are we the worse.
¶ But take heed that your liberty cause not the weak to fall. For if some man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple shall not the conscience of him which is weak be boldened to eat those things which are offered unto the idol? And so thorow thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish for whom Christ died. When we sin so against the brethren and wound their weak consciences, we sin against Christ. Wherefore if meat hurt my brother, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, because I will not hurt my brother.
© Faith of God
William Tyndale 1526