Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:9

"But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." — 1 Corinthians 7:9 (ASV)

Paul now gives advice to those who are single, whom he classifies as the unmarried and the widows. It is good or advisable for them to remain in their single state for the reasons spelled out in vv.26, 32–35. However, in another situation Paul counsels the younger widows to marry (1 Timothy 5:14). He then adds a postscript. If the situation is such that these persons cannot control their sexual desires, they should marry. It is, after all, better to get married than be inflamed with sexual desire, which is hard to control outside of marriage.