1 Corinthians 7:32-40 ▼

32 the unmarried is religiously concerned, how he may please the Lord:

33 he that is married is worldly concern'd, how he may please his wife.

34 there is the same difference between a married woman and a virgin: the last is religiously concern'd to be holy, both in body and mind: but she that is married is taken up with worldly cares to please her husband.

35 And this I say for your particular advantage, not to lay any constraint upon you, but as that which is most suitable to a state of uninterrupted attendance upon religion.

36 if any man thinks it would be a reflexion upon his manhood to be a stale batchelor, and so ought to marry; let him follow his bent, he is at liberty, let such marry.

37 but he that has been steady in his purpose, and finds no necessity to alter it; if he is a master of his passion, and is heartily determin'd to keep his virginity, it is well.

38 so that he who marries, does well; but he who lives single, may have less trouble.

39 The wife is bound as long as her husband lives: but if her husbnd be dead, she is at liberty to be married, if she pleases; provided it be to a christian.

40 but she will be happier, if she remain a widow, in my opinion: and I think the divine spirit suggests the same.