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

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.

³⁴ and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit.^(A) But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. ³⁵ I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided^(B) devotion to the Lord.

²⁶ Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.^{(A) 27} Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife.^(B)

⁷ I wish that all of you were as I am.^(A) But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.^(B)