MNT(i)
29 Indeed, brothers, the time that remains to us has been shortened; so let those who have wives live as if they had none,
30 let those who weep be as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess,
31 and those who use the world as though using it sparingly. For the present phase of the world is passing away.
32 So I want you to be free from all anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the Lord's business, how he may please the Lord;
33 but a married man is anxious about worldly affairs, how he may please his wife, and he is divided in his mind.
34 Again, the woman who is widow, or the maid, is anxious about the Lord's business, how she may be pure in body and in mind; but the married woman is anxious about worldly affairs, how she may please her husband.
35 It is in your own interest that I say this; not that I may entangle you in a snare, but that I may help you to serve the Lord with fitting and undistracted service.
36 If, however, a father feels that he is not treating his virgin daughter in a seemly manner, in leaving her unmarried beyond the flower of her age, and so the matter is urgent, let him do what she desires; he commits no sin. Let the marriage take place.
37 On the other hand, he who is firm in his purpose and is under no compulsion, but is free to carry out his own wishes, and who has determined to keep his daughter unmarried, does well.
38 So he that gives his daughter in marriage is doing right, and he who keeps her unmarried will be doing right, and he who keeps her unmarried will be doing better.
39 A wife is bound to her husband during his lifetime; but if her husband dies, she is free to marry whomever she will, provided it be in the Lord.
40 But she is happier, in my judgment, if she remains as she is; and I think that I, too, have the Spirit of God.