John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:34

"and is divided. [So] also the woman that is unmarried and the virgin is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married is careful for the things of the world, how she may please her husband." — 1 Corinthians 7:34 (ASV)

The unmarried woman and the virgin. What he had established concerning men, he now declares similarly concerning women — that virgins and widows are not prevented by earthly things from devoting their whole concerns and their whole affections to God. Not all act in this way, but the opportunity exists if the mind is so inclined.

When he says, that she may be holy in body and in spirit, he shows what kind of chastity is true and acceptable to God — when the mind is kept unpolluted in the sight of God. Oh, that this were more carefully attended to! As to the body, we see what kind of devotion to the Lord is commonly found on the part of monks, nuns, and the whole scum of the Papistical clergy, than whose celibacy nothing more obscene can be imagined.

But, not to speak for now of chastity of body, is there one to be found among those admired for their reputation for continence who does not burn with base lusts? We may, however, infer from this statement of Paul that no chastity is truly pleasing to God that does not extend to the soul as well as to the body. Oh, that those who talk so foolishly and haughtily about continence would only understand that they have to do with God!

They would not be so confident in their disputes with us. At the same time, no one today speaks more grandly about continence than those who are openly and most shamelessly guilty of fornication. But even if they conduct themselves ever so honorably in the sight of men, that is nothing if they do not keep their minds pure and free from all uncleanness.