29
But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none,
30
those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess,
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and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.
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But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord--how he may please the Lord.
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But he who is married cares about the things of the world--how he may please his wife.
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There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world--how she may please her husband.
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And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.
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But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry.
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Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well.
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So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.
39
A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
40
But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment--and I think I also have the Spirit of God.