1 Corinthians 7:32-40

32But I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;

33but the married man is concerned about worldly things, how he may please his wife,

34and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or the virgin is concerned about the matters of the Lord, how to be holy and set apart both in body and in spirit; but a married woman is concerned about worldly things, how she may please her husband.

35Now I say this for your own benefit; not to restrict you, but to promote what is appropriate and secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.

36But if any man thinks that he is not acting properly and honorably toward his virgin daughter, [by not permitting her to marry], if she is past her youth, and it must be so, let him do as he wishes, he does not sin; let her marry.

37But the man who stands firmly committed in his heart, having no compulsion [to yield to his daughter’s request], and has authority over his own will, and has decided in his own heart to keep his own virgin [daughter from being married], he will do well.

38So then both the father who gives his virgin daughter in marriage does well, and he who does not give her in marriage will do better.

39A wife is bound [to her husband by law] as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry whomever she wishes, only [provided that he too is] in the Lord.

40But in my opinion a widow is happier if she stays as she is. And I think that I also have the Spirit of God [in this matter].