What does “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” actually mean?

In this episode of The Bible Friends, Aria, Cassie, and Sarah dig into 1 Corinthians 8 and the context behind one of the Bible’s frequently quoted verses. Is Paul warning Christians against studying Scripture or growing in biblical knowledge—or is he addressing something much more specific?

We look at the issue of food sacrificed to idols, the differing consciences of believers in the Corinthian church, and Paul’s call to value love for our brothers and sisters above exercising our own rights. We also trace the theme into 1 Corinthians 13 and consider what it looks like for biblical knowledge to produce humility, love, and care for others rather than pride.

Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to grow in the knowledge of God. The issue isn’t knowledge itself—it’s what we do with that knowledge and whether it is accompanied by love.

In this conversation we discuss: • 1 Corinthians 8 in context • “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies” • Food sacrificed to idols in the early church • Christian freedom and the weaker conscience • Why context matters when interpreting Scripture • The relationship between biblical knowledge, humility, and love • 1 Corinthians 13 and what biblical love looks like

Have you ever discovered that a Bible verse you had heard—or even quoted—meant something different once you read it in context? Let us know in the comments!

📖 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 3:18

Welcome to The Bible Friends, where we gather around God’s Word to seek truth together. We believe Scripture is sufficient, authoritative, and living, and that every belief and experience must be tested against it.

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