AUV(i)
32 But I want you to be free from worry. The man who is not married is concerned about the affairs of the Lord [and] how to please the Lord.
33 But the person who is married is [also] concerned about the affairs of the world [and] how to please his wife,
34 so his interests are divided. However, the unmarried woman [Note: Possibly this refers to a widow, divorcee or non-virgin] and the virgin are concerned about the affairs of the Lord [and] how to be dedicated [to God] in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of the world [and] how to please her husband.
35 Now I am saying this for your own benefit, not in order to put [unreasonable] restrictions on you, but that you may do whatever is proper and devote yourselves to the Lord’s service without distraction.
36 But if any man thinks he is [being tempted to] behave improperly toward his virgin [fiancee], and she is past prime [marriageable] age, and feels the need [to get married] [Note: The Greek says “and so it has to be”], he should do what he wants; they should get married --- that man has not sinned.
37 But [another] man, who has a conviction in his heart [about the matter], and does not feel it is necessary [to get married], but has control over his will [i.e., his sexual passion], and has made up his mind to keep [from marrying] his own virgin [fiancee] --- that man is doing the right thing [also].
38 So then, the man who marries his virgin [fiancee] is doing the right thing and the man who does not marry her is doing [even] better.
39 A wife is bound [i.e., to stay married] for as long as her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to anyone she wants; [but it must be] only in the Lord [i.e., he must be a faithful Christian].
40 But she will be happier if she remains as she is [i.e., single]. This is my advice and I think that I, too, have God’s Holy Spirit.