⁸ Now to the unmarried^[a] and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.^(A)

²⁶ Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.^(A)

²⁸ But if you do marry, you have not sinned;^(A) and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.

³² I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs^(A)—how he can please the Lord. ³³ But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—

⁴⁰ In my judgment,^(A) she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.