John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:27

"Art thou bound unto a wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? Seek not a wife." — 1 Corinthians 7:27 (ASV)

Are you bound to a wife? After stating what would be most advantageous, he adds at the same time that we should not be so influenced by the advantages of celibacy that someone who is bound by the tie of marriage should shake off the connection. It is therefore a restriction on the preceding statement, so that no one, influenced by his commendation of celibacy, should turn his thoughts to it and despise marriage, forgetful of his necessity or of his calling. In these words, he does not merely forbid breaking up the marriage connection, but also represses the dislikes that tend to creep in, so that everyone may continue to live with his wife willingly and cheerfully.

Are you loosed from a wife? This second clause must be taken with a reservation, as is evident from the entire context. He does not, then, allow everyone the choice of perpetual celibacy, but only those to whom it is given. Therefore, let no one who is not constrained by any necessity rashly ensnare himself, for liberty should not be lightly thrown away.