Grackles and pigeons and likely other fine feathered friends, puff themselves up when they wish to attract a mate with whom to have a courtship and family. They want to look bigger, more impressive and maybe shriek and coo respectively to gain the female's favor. That is their instinctive knowledge.
People like to gain knowledge and that can be a good thing. However, if one is not humble, one can become 'puffed up' proud with what they know, letting their whole world know about it all, be it actually little or much.
Paul, in 1 Corinthians 8 says,
"knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (vs 1).
If a person is so busy strutting their stuff, it leaves little to no room for others to say their pieces. People who actually really know. This lack of interest in others and what they have to say can be hurtful to those folks who've been cut off.
In this case, it's regarding eating food offered to idols. Puffed up people may say, "just eat it" but that could marr another's conscience and could even cause another brother or sister to stumble. It does not show loving care or consideration for another believer's conscience and situation.
Loving others with God's unconditional caring love, is the priority in God's book. This is the knowledge we need to know and put into action - humbly.
Lord, may we wield our knowledge appropriatedly, encapsulated with Your love. Help us to avoid unbridled knowledge and pride. This we ask in Your name. Amen.
~ ERC May 2026 ~
Based on 1 Corinthians 8: especially vs 1 ESV.
Sing, Will You Be An Overcomer, along with Musikahan Corner.
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