1 Corinthians 7:24-40

24Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you.

25Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you.

26Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are.

27If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married.

28But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems.

29But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage.

30Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions.

31Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.

32I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him.

33But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife.

34His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband.

35I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.

36But if a man thinks that he’s treating his fiancée improperly and will inevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is not a sin.

37But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry.

38So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better.

39A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord.

40But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.