Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:32

"But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord:" — 1 Corinthians 7:32 (ASV)

But I would have you. I would advise you to such a course of life as should leave you without carefulness. My advice is regulated by that wish, and that wish guides me in giving it.

Without carefulness, amerimnous. This means without anxiety, solicitude, or care; without such a necessary attention to the things of this life as to divert your thoughts and affections from heavenly objects (See Barnes on Matthew 6:25 and Matthew 6:26-31).

He careth for the things that belong to the Lord. A marginal note says, "The things of the Lord;" that is, the things of religion. His attention is not distracted by the cares of this life; his time is not engrossed, and his affections are not alienated, by attending to the concerns of a family, and especially by solicitude for them in times of trial and persecution.

He can give his main attention to the things of religion. He is at leisure to give his chief thoughts and anxieties to the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom.

Paul's own example showed that this was the course which he preferred, and it also showed that in some instances it was lawful and proper for a man to remain unmarried and to give himself entirely to the work of the Lord.

But the Divine commandment (Genesis 1:28), the commendation everywhere bestowed upon marriage in the Scriptures, and the nature of the case, show that it was not intended for celibacy to be general.

In this context, 'carefulness' means 'anxious care.' For 'unmarried,' see 1 Timothy 5:5. 'Things' refers to the things of the Lord, as in 1 Corinthians 7:34.