Its Meaning and Consequences
Romans 14:13 (KJV)
“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”
Introduction
Scripture warns repeatedly against placing a stumbling block before others. The phrase is rich with meaning—spiritual, moral, and eternal. A stumbling block is not merely a minor distraction or a harmless inconvenience; it is anything that hinders another person’s walk with God, weakens their faith, entices them to sin, or damages their conscience. When believers cause others to fall, they not only grieve the Holy Spirit but stand in direct opposition to the will of God.
This paper explores what a stumbling block is, how Scripture defines it, and the dire consequences—both temporal and eternal—of placing one in another’s path.
The Biblical Meaning of a Stumbling Block
A Cause of Spiritual Falling
In the Old Testament, the term stumbling block (Hebrew: mikshol) refers to an obstacle in someone’s path—something that causes tripping or falling. Spiritually, it represents anything that leads a person into sin or error.
Ezekiel records God’s warning:
“But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet… his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand” (Ezekiel 33:6 KJV).
Failure to warn is a stumbling block.
In the New Testament, the Greek word skandalon describes a trap, snare, or baited trigger. Jesus used it when warning of those who cause spiritual ruin:
“Woe unto the world because of offences!” (Matthew 18:7 KJV).
A stumbling block, then, is any influence that triggers spiritual harm.
A Violation of Christian Love
A stumbling block is never placed accidentally. It arises when a believer prioritizes liberty over love, knowledge over compassion, self-will over another’s spiritual well-being.
Paul warns:
“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).
Christian maturity restrains freedom for the sake of another’s soul.
An Offense Against Christ Himself
Paul declares that when a believer wounds another’s conscience,
“ye sin against Christ” (1 Corinthians 8:12 KJV).
To harm a member of Christ’s body is to strike Christ.
How Stumbling Blocks Are Placed
Through Hypocrisy and Double Living
When professing Christians live in sin while claiming righteousness, they damage the faith of weaker believers. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for this very reason:
“But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matthew 23:13 KJV).
Their hypocrisy blocked men from entering the Kingdom.
Through False Doctrine
False teaching devastates souls. Jesus warned:
“If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (Matthew 15:14 KJV).
A teacher who distorts Scripture becomes a stumbling block to all who follow.
Through Unrestrained Personal Liberty
Eating meat offered to idols, drinking alcohol freely around weaker saints, compromising in entertainment, speech, or dress—all become stumbling blocks when they encourage others to violate conscience.
Paul said he would rather never eat meat again if it harmed a brother (1 Corinthians 8:13).
Through Harsh Words or Judgmental Attitudes
Criticism without compassion, truth without grace, and correction without humility can destroy faith instead of strengthening it.
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city” (Proverbs 18:19 KJV).
Through Leading Others into Direct Sin
Jesus warned that anyone who leads a believer into sin—especially “one of these little ones”—faces severe judgment (Matthew 18:6).
The Consequences of Placing a Stumbling Block
Divine Judgment
Jesus speaks with uncompromising clarity:
“Woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” (Matthew 18:7 KJV).
God does not overlook those who endanger another’s soul.
For those who entice others into sin, Christ declares:
“It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea” (Luke 17:2 KJV).
This is one of the most severe warnings Christ ever issued.
Accountability for Another’s Fall
Scripture teaches that we can bear responsibility for another’s spiritual ruin.
“Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died” (Romans 14:15 KJV).
If our actions contribute to their destruction, their fall is credited, in part, to us.
Loss of Reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ
While salvation is by grace, rewards are based on faithfulness. Those who damage the faith of others will watch their works burn:
“Every man’s work shall be made manifest… the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is” (1 Corinthians 3:13 KJV).
A stumbling block produces wood, hay, and stubble—not gold, silver, and precious stones.
The Harm Done to the Offended Soul
The one who stumbles may suffer:
- a wounded conscience
- weakened faith
- confusion
- shame
- doubt
- temporary or long-term spiritual paralysis
Some never fully recover.
Paul warns:
“When ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ” (1 Corinthians 8:12 KJV).
The Damage Done to Christ’s Reputation
A stumbling block can stain the witness of the church, push the lost further away, and bring reproach upon the name of Christ.
David’s sin, for example,
“gave great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme” (2 Samuel 12:14 KJV).
How Christians Avoid Becoming a Stumbling Block
Walk in Love
“Let all your things be done with charity” (1 Corinthians 16:14 KJV).
Love protects others from harm.
Live Sensitively
“It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth” (Romans 14:21 KJV).
We must be mindful of how our choices affect those watching.
Guard Doctrine
Sound teaching preserves souls from deception.
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).
Model Holiness
A life of integrity strengthens the weak and glorifies God.
Seek the Good of Others
“Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (1 Corinthians 10:24 KJV).
A mature believer prioritizes the spiritual well-being of the flock.
Conclusion
A stumbling block is any influence that leads another into sin, weakens their faith, or wounds their conscience. It is a grievous offense in the sight of God because it harms one for whom Christ died. Scripture warns that the consequences of placing a stumbling block are severe—divine judgment, accountability for another’s fall, loss of reward, and damage to both the church and the name of Christ.
The call to believers is clear: walk in love, live in holiness, guard your liberty, and protect the weaker saints. The cross teaches us that souls are infinitely valuable, and therefore anything that endangers a soul is infinitely dangerous.
May every follower of Christ choose the path of edification over offense, building up the body rather than placing stumbling blocks in the way of those who seek the Kingdom of God.