1 Corinthians 7:1-9 ▼

1 Now as to the question you writ to me about; "whether it is best for a man not to marry?"

2 I answer, with regard to the licentious, it is best for a man, to have his wife; and for a woman to have her husband.

3 let the husband discharge his obligations to his wife: and likewise the wife to the husband.

4 the wife has not the right of her own person, but the husband: and so likewise the husband has not the right of his own person, but the wife.

5 don't desert one another, unless you mutually consent to retire for a time, to the solemnity of prayer; and then come together again, lest satan make an attempt upon your continency.

6 but as for the rest, I speak it by way of counsel, and not of command.

7 for I wish that all men were as I myself am: but every man hath his proper gift from God, some one way, and some another.

8 As to the unmarried and widows, I say, it is best for them to continue so, as I do.

9 but if they have not the gift, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to be in pain.