5 [7:25]And concerning the virgins I have no ordinance of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one that has obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. [7:26]I think then that this is good on account of the present necessity, because it is good for man to be so. [7:27]Are you bound to a wife, seek not a release; are you released from a wife, seek not a wife. [7:28]But if you marry, you do not sin and if the virgin marries she does not sin. But such will have affliction in the flesh; but I spare you. [7:29]But this I say, brothers, the time is short, so that in future those who have wives should be as those not having them, [7:30]and those who weep as those not weeping, and those who rejoice as those not rejoicing, and those who buy as not possessing, [7:31]and those who use the world as those not abusing it; for the fashion of this world passes away. [7:32] But I wish you to be without cares. The unmarried man cares for the things of the Lord, how he shall please the Lord; [7:33]but he that is married cares for the things of the world, how he shall please the wife. [7:34]And the wife and the virgin are different; the unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy in body and spirit; but she that is married cares for the things of the world, how she shall please the husband. [7:35]But I say this for your own profit; not to impose a snare on you, but for [your] honor, and [your] attending on the Lord without distraction. 6 [7:36]But if any one thinks that he behaves improperly to his virgin, if she is past her prime, and it must be so, let him do what he wishes; he does not sin; let them marry. [7:37]But he that stands firm in mind, not having a necessity, but has power over his will, and has determined in his mind to keep his virgin, does well. [7:38]He that gives in marriage therefore does well, and he that gives not in marriage does better. 7 [7:39]A woman is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead then she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. [7:40] But she is happier if she continues thus, in my opinion, and I think also I have the Spirit of God.