8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am.9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion.

10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.

12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her.13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you [1] to peace.16 Wife, how do you know whether you will save your husband? Husband, how do you know whether you will save your wife?

Live As You Are Called

17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision.19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.21 Were you a slave [2] when called? Do not be concerned about it. But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.22 For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ.23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.24 So, brothers, [3] in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.

The Unmarried and the Widowed

25 Now concerning [4] the betrothed, [5] I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.26 I think that in view of the present [6] distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman [7] marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.