Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 1:19

"And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily." — Matthew 1:19 (ASV)

Mary was betrothed to him, and he was saddened and perplexed when he learned that she would become a mother before they had been actually married. Many would have thrust her away in indignation and put her to an open shame, but Joseph was of noble character as well as royal lineage. He would not expose what he thought to be the sin of his betrothed wife—although he felt that she must be put away, he would do it quietly. When we have to do a severe thing, let us choose the tenderest manner. Perhaps, we will not have to do it at all.