⁴ So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols:^(A) We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world”^(B) and that “There is no God but one.”^{(C) 5} For even if there are so-called gods,^(D) whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), ⁶ yet for us there is but one God,^(E) the Father,^(F) from whom all things came^(G) and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord,^(H) Jesus Christ, through whom all things came^(I) and through whom we live.

⁷ But not everyone possesses this knowledge.^(J) Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak,^(K) it is defiled. ⁸ But food does not bring us near to God;^(L) we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

⁹ Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block^(M) to the weak.^(N)