Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:25-35

"Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy. I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, [namely,] that it is good for a man to be as he is. Art thou bound unto a wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? Seek not a wife. But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you. But this I say, brethren, the time is shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none; and those that weep, as though they wept not; and those that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those that buy, as though they possessed not; and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away. 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: but he that is married is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his wife, 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. And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction." — 1 Corinthians 7:25-35 (ASV)

Considering the distress of those times, the unmarried state was best. Nevertheless, the apostle does not condemn marriage. How contrary to the apostle Paul are those who forbid many to marry and entangle them with vows to remain single, whether they should do so or not! He exhorts all Christians to a holy indifference toward the world. As for relationships, they must not set their hearts on the comforts of that state.

As for afflictions, they must not indulge in the sorrow of the world; even in sorrow, the heart may be joyful. As for worldly enjoyments, these are not their true rest. As for worldly employment, those who prosper in trade and increase in wealth should hold their possessions as though they did not possess them. As for all worldly concerns, they must keep the world out of their hearts, so that they may not abuse the world when they have it in their hands.

All worldly things are mere show, nothing solid. All will quickly pass away. A wise concern for worldly interests is a duty, but to be full of care—to have anxious and perplexing care—is a sin. By this principle, the apostle resolves the question of whether it was advisable to marry. That condition of life is best for each person which is best for their soul and keeps them most clear of the cares and snares of the world.

Let us reflect on the advantages and snares of our own condition in life, so that we may make good use of the advantages and escape, as far as possible, all harm from the snares. And whatever cares may press upon our minds, let us still reserve time for the things of the Lord.