1 Corinthians 7:34-36

Contemporary English Version

³⁴So he is pulled in two directions. Unmarried women and women who have never been married^[a] worry only about pleasing the Lord, and they keep their bodies and minds pure. But a married woman worries about the things of this world, because she wants to please her husband. ³⁵What I am saying is for your own good—it isn't to limit your freedom. I want to help you to live right and to love the Lord above all else.

³⁶But suppose you are engaged to someone old enough to be married, and you want her so much that all you can think about is getting married. Then go ahead and marry.^[b] There is nothing wrong with that.

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Footnotes

7.34 women who have never been married: Or “virgins.”
7.36 But suppose you are engaged … go ahead and marry: Verses 36-38 may also be translated: ³⁶“If you feel that you are not treating your grown daughter right by keeping her from getting married, then let her marry. You won't be doing anything wrong. ³⁷But it is better to have self-control and make up your mind not to let your daughter get married. ³⁸It is all right for you to let her marry. But it is better if you don't let her marry at all.”