8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
8 Now to the unmarried
8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am.
8 I do, though, tell the unmarried and widows that singleness might well be the best thing for them, as it has been for me.
8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am;
8 So I say to those who aren't married and to widows-it's better to stay unmarried, just as I am.
26 Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.
26 I think that in view of the present
26 Because of the current pressures on us from all sides, I think it would probably be best to stay just as you are.
26 I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress--that it is good for a man to remain as he is:
26 Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are.
(Read 1 Corinthians 7:25-35)
Considering the distress of those times, the unmarried state was best. Notwithstanding, the apostle does not condemn marriage. How opposite are those to the apostle Paul who forbid many to marry, and entangle them with vows to remain single, whether they ought to do so or not! He exhorts all Christians to holy indifference toward the world. As to relations; they must not set their hearts on the comforts of the state. As to afflictions; they must not indulge the sorrow of the world: even in sorrow the heart may be joyful. As to worldly enjoyments; here is not their rest. As to worldly employment; those that prosper in trade, and increase in wealth, should hold their possessions as though they held them not. As to all worldly concerns; they must keep the world out of their hearts, that they may not abuse it when they have it in their hands. All worldly things are show; nothing solid. All will be quickly gone. Wise concern about worldly interests is a duty; but to be full of care, to have anxious and perplexing care, is a sin. By this maxim the apostle solves the case whether it were advisable to marry. That condition of life is best for every man, which is best for his soul, and keeps him most clear of the cares and snares of the world. Let us reflect on the advantages and snares of our own condition in life; that we may improve the one, and escape as far as possible all injury from the other. And whatever cares press upon the mind, let time still be kept for the things of the Lord.
38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.
38 So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.
38 So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.
38 Marriage is spiritually and morally right and not inferior to singleness in any way, although as I indicated earlier, because of the times we live in, I do have pastoral reasons for encouraging singleness.
38 So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.
38 So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn't marry does even better.
(Read 1 Corinthians 7:36-40)
The apostle is thought to give advice here about the disposal of children in marriage. In this view, the general meaning is plain. Children should seek and follow the directions of their parents as to marriage. And parents should consult their children's wishes; and not reckon they have power to do with them, and dictate just as they please, without reason. The whole is closed with advice to widows. Second marriages are not unlawful, so that it is kept in mind, to marry in the Lord. In our choice of relations, and change of conditions, we should always be guided by the fear of God, and the laws of God, and act in dependence on the providence of God. Change of condition ought only to be made after careful consideration, and on probable grounds, that it will be to advantage in our spiritual concerns.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:8
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:1-9
(Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-9)
The apostle tells the Corinthians that it was good, in that juncture of time, for Christians to keep themselves single. Yet he says that marriage, and the comforts of that state, are settled by Divine wisdom. Though none may break the law of God, yet that perfect rule leaves men at liberty to serve him in the way most suited to their powers and circumstances, of which others often are very unfit judges. All must determine for themselves, seeking counsel from God how they ought to act.