July 5 Click on verses for Full Scripture

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Today's Pathway: I Corinthians 7:32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

Paul is continuing his discussion of the advantages of remaining single. He writes in verse 32 that he wants his readers not to be filled with care. The word "carefulness" carries the idea of anxiety and distraction. Jesus used that term in the parable of the sower when he said in Matthew 13:22,

"He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful."

"It is possible to please both the Lord and your mate, if you are yielded to Christ and obeying the Word."

"The married man has divided interests and loyalties. He wants to please the Lord and he wants to please his wife. Both are legitimate, God-given pursuits. The married man has obligations he must discharge and this demands some attention to the things of the world. In fact, the married man has the potential to get all wrapped up in worldly pursuits to care for his wife and family and forget his higher responsibility of service to Christ."

Paul then says in verse 35 that he is not writing these things to harm the unmarried believers in Corinth, but he is trying to help them. Jack Arnold once again gives a good explanation of this verse:

"What Paul had to say about the advantages of singlehood were not to discourage the singles at Corinth but to encourage them. He was giving advice he thought was best for singles. Yet, he did not want to put them in a noose or straitjacket, and they were perfectly free to choose the life they wanted to live whether married or unmarried. Most singles, men and women, really struggle with the idea of being single for life. Yet, when they do understand this is God’s choice for them, they become grateful to the Lord, finding a new peace and determination for service for Christ. In the single state, they discover that Christ can meet their loneliness, for they appear alone but are never alone because God is with them. Single Christians should not grumble about their state, but they should give themselves to the service of Christ."

There are differences of opinion about the meaning of verses 36 and 37. The general consensus is that Paul had been asked by the Corinthians about a father's responsibility towards his daughter who was old enough to get married. Remember that at that time and in that culture fathers were very actively involved in their daughters' marital plans. Basically Paul says that the father can make the choice whether or not to give his daughter in marriage to a man. If he thinks it's a good idea, then it is not a sin for him to allow it. Paul concludes by saying that it is good for the father to allow his daughter to marry, but it might be better for her if he does not.

Verses 39-40 deal with those who are widowed. If you are married, you must stay married as long as your spouse is alive. If you are widowed, you can remarry, but only to the one who is God's will for you. And, though God has not commanded it, Paul has the blessing of the Holy Spirit to write that the widow might be happier if she remains unmarried.

I Corinthians 7 is packed with teaching about marriage. We would do well to listen to what it says.