1 Coríntios 7

1 Coríntios 7

Garland - Baker Exegetical Commentary - 1 Corinthians Page 336-337 Page 338-339 Page 340-341 Page 342-343 Page 344-345 Page 346 Here is a brief excerpt from Garland's lengthy discussion (see links above for full discussion) of 1Cor 7:36-38 - A notorious crux presents itself in 7:36–38 because of the ambiguity of “if anyone” (εἰ … τις, ei … tis). Moiser (1983: 114) characterizes it as “one of the most difficult and refractory passages in the entire Pauline corpus.” Many commentators reject rival interpretations as “impossible,” “ludicrous,” or “absurd.” Five exegetical questions present themselves in verse 36: (1) What is the antecedent of τις (tis, anyone)? (2) To what does ἀσχημονεῖν (aschēmonein, to act dishonorably, shamefully, indecently) apply? (3) To whom does ἡ παρθένος αὐτοῦ (hē parthenos autou) refer—his daughter, spiritual bride, or fiancée? (4) Does ὑπέρακμος (hyperakmos) refer to the girl or the man, and what does it connote? (5) What does the phrase καὶ οὕτως ὀφείλει γίνεσθαι (kai houtōs opheilei ginesthai), literally translated “and it ought to happen thus,” mean? (See additional note.) (ED: SEE GARLAND'S ARTICLE IN LINKS ABOVE FOR DISCUSSION OF THESE EXEGETICAL QUESTIONS). Major translations represent the three basic interpretations.26 NASB - But if any man thinks that he is acting unbecomingly toward his virgin daughter, if she should be of full age, and if it must be so, let him do what he wishes, he does not sin; let her marry. NEB - But if a man has a partner in celibacy and feels that he is not behaving properly towards her, if, that is, his instincts are too strong for him, and something must be done, he may do as he pleases; there is nothing wrong in it; let them marry. NRSV - If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his fiancée, if his passions are strong, and so it has to be, let him marry as he wishes; it is no sin. Let them marry. The first view, represented by the NASB, understands the situation to involve a father faced with the decision of whether or not to marry off his virgin daughter.27 (VIEW of Theodore of Mopsuestia, Chrysostom, Theodoret, Augustine, Ambrosiaster; and modern scholars Edwards 1885: 200–202; Godet 1886: 388; Lightfoot 1895: 234; Findlay 1910: 836–37; Robertson and Plummer 1914: 158–60; Parry 1926: 121–24; Ketter 1947; Grosheide 1953: 184; Morris 1958: 120–22; Snyder 1992: 115–16.")..... The second view, represented by the NEB, understands Paul to be instructing couples who are living in a “spiritual marriage.” They have committed themselves to a relationship without sexual relations, but it has placed too great a strain on the sexual drive of the male. Someone has asked Paul if it is permissible for them to break the vow and consummate the marriage. Will they incur condemnation for doing so (cf. 1 Tim. 5:11–12)? Paul consents to this action if the male’s sexual drive becomes too much for him to bear. They do not sin.31 (VIEW of Achelis 1902; Weiss 1910: 206–9; Delling 1931: 86–91; TDNT 5:836; Moffatt 1938: 98–99; Lietzmann 1949: 35–37; Bultmann 1955: 224; Héring 1962: 62–64; Seboldt 1959; Hurd 1965: 169–82; Niederwimmer 1975: 116–20; Murphy-O’Connor 1979a: 72)..... The view I (DAVID GARLAND) adopt as the most likely is represented by the NRSV (cf. the REB). It understands Paul, throughout 7:25–38, to be addressing Christians engaged to marry. 32 (VIEW of Belkin 1935; Schrenk, TDNT 3:61; Kümmel 1954; Chadwick 1954–55: 267; Barrett 1968: 184; Conzelmann 1975: 135–36; Baumert 1996: 120–23; J. Elliott 1972–73: 220–23; Fee 1987: 323, 327; Schrage 1995: 197–200; Wolff 1996: 161; Winter 1998; R. Collins 1999: 298–99; Thiselton 2000: 597).....This view fits the preceding context and what follows in verses 39–40, where widows are told that they are free to marry if they choose but, in Paul’s opinion, would be happier remaining as they are. In a setting where sexual asceticism was acclaimed as a good, the decision to marry could have easily become a moral struggle. Paul advises the fiancé who has strong sexual urges to marry. But if his desire is under control and it would not wrong his fiancée, he would do better to remain single to be devoted to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 7:37 But he who stands firm in his heart, being under no constraint, but has authority over his own will, and has decided this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin daughter, he will do well. Amplified But whoever is firmly established in his heart [strong in mind and purpose], not being forced by necessity but having control over his own will and desire, and has resolved this in his heart to keep his own virginity, he is doing well. Wuest But he who stands firm in his heart, having no constraint upon him, but has authority concerning his own private desire, and has come to a settled decision to be keeping his own daughter in a state of virginity, shall do well. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) ICB But another man might be more sure in his mind. There may be no need for marriage, so he is free to do what he wants. If he has decided in his own heart not to marry, he is doing the right thing. NLT But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. NET 1 Corinthians 7:37 But the man who is firm in his commitment, and is under no necessity but has control over his will, and has decided in his own mind to keep his own virgin, does well. NLT 1 Corinthians 7:37 But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. ESV 1 Corinthians 7:37 But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. NIV 1 Corinthians 7:37 But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin--this man also does the right thing. GNT 1 Corinthians 7:37 ὃς δὲ ἕστηκεν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ ἑδραῖος μὴ ἔχων ἀνάγκην, ἐξουσίαν δὲ ἔχει περὶ τοῦ ἰδίου θελήματος καὶ τοῦτο κέκρικεν ἐν τῇ ἰδίᾳ καρδίᾳ, τηρεῖν τὴν ἑαυτοῦ παρθένον, καλῶς ποιήσει. KJV 1 Corinthians 7:37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. YLT 1 Corinthians 7:37 And he who hath stood stedfast in the heart -- not having necessity -- and hath authority over his own will, and this he hath determined in his heart -- to keep his own virgin -- doth well; ASV 1 Corinthians 7:37 But he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power as touching in his own heart, to keep his own virgin daughter, shall do well. CSB 1 Corinthians 7:37 But he who stands firm in his heart (who is under no compulsion, but has control over his own will) and has decided in his heart to keep his own virgin, will do well. NKJ 1 Corinthians 7:37 Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. NRS 1 Corinthians 7:37 But if someone stands firm in his resolve, being under no necessity but having his own desire under control, and has determined in his own mind to keep her as his fiancee, he will do well. RSV 1 Corinthians 7:37 But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. NAB 1 Corinthians 7:37 The one who stands firm in his resolve, however, who is not under compulsion but has power over his own will, and has made up his mind to keep his virgin, will be doing well. NJB 1 Corinthians 7:37 But if he stands firm in his resolution, without any compulsion but with full control of his own will, and decides to let her remain as his fiance'e, then he is acting well. GWN 1 Corinthians 7:37 However, a father may have come to a decision about his daughter. If his decision is to keep her at home because she doesn't want to get married, that's fine. BBE 1 Corinthians 7:37 But the man who is strong in mind and purpose, who is not forced but has control over his desires, does well if he comes to the decision to keep her a virgin. 1 Corinthians 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries STANDING FIRM ON ONE'S COMMITMENT But he who stands firm (hedraios) in his heart (kardia) - Not his head, but his heart, not just intellectual but his "control center" (his heart). The NET picks up the sense = "the man who is firm in his commitment." Stands is active voice indicating this is a volitional choice, a choice of our will. The point is he does not change his mind about the promise being under no constraint (anagke) but has authority over his own will, and has decided this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin daughter, he will do well - See comments on verse 36. Amplified = "not being forced by necessity but having control over his own will and desire, and has resolved this in his heart to keep his own virginity, he is doing well." John MacArthur favors the NASB view that this is referring to the father not a fiancee - But if the father stands firm in his heart, that is, does not change his mind about the promise; and is under no constraint by the daughter to change his mind; and has a good and pure motive (has authority over his own will) and is deeply committed (decided this in his own heart); he may keep his own virgin daughter. Constraint is better translated "necessity," referring to the daughter's necessity to get married (cf. "if it must be so," 1Co 7). Only the daughter's unwillingness to keep the vow should cause the father to change his mind. His steadfastness in his vow will encourage his daughter to be steadfast in hers. In doing that he will do well. Firm (1476) hedraios from hedra = seat, chair) means sedentary but figuratively means steadfast. Metaphor of mind and heart and purpose as one seated in a chair. Used only 3x in NT - 1 Co. 7:37; 1 Co. 15:58+ (Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast (hedraios), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in [locative of sphere] the Lord.); Col. 1:23+ 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then both he who gives his own virgin daughter in marriage does well, and he who does not give her in marriage will do better. Amplified So also then, he [the father] who gives his virgin (his daughter) in marriage does well, and he [the father] who does not give [her] in marriage does better. Wuest So that also he who gives his own virgin daughter in marriage is doing well, and he who does not do so will do better. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then, the one who marries his own virgin does well, but the one who does not, does better. NLT 1 Corinthians 7:38 So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn't marry does even better. ESV 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better. NIV 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does even better. GNT 1 Corinthians 7:38 ὥστε καὶ ὁ γαμίζων τὴν ἑαυτοῦ παρθένον καλῶς ποιεῖ καὶ ὁ μὴ γαμίζων κρεῖσσον ποιήσει. KJV 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. YLT 1 Corinthians 7:38 so that both he who is giving in marriage doth well, and he who is not giving in marriage doth better. ASV 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then both he that giveth his own virgin daughter in marriage doeth well; and he that giveth her not in marriage shall do better. CSB 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then he who marries his virgin does well, but he who does not marry will do better. NKJ 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better. NRS 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then, he who marries his fiancee does well; and he who refrains from marriage will do better. NAB 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then, the one who marries his virgin does well; the one who does not marry her will do better. NJB 1 Corinthians 7:38 In other words, he who marries his fiance'e is doing well, and he who does not, better still. GWN 1 Corinthians 7:38 So it's fine for a father to give his daughter in marriage, but the father who doesn't give his daughter in marriage does even better. BBE 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then, he who gets married to his virgin does well, and he who keeps her unmarried does better. then: 1Co 7:28 does well: 1Co 7:2 Heb 13:4 do better: 1Co 7:1,8,26,32-34,37 1 Corinthians 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries So then both he who gives his own virgin daughter in marriage does well, and he who does not give her in marriage will do better (kreitton/kreisson)- See comments on verse 36. Arnold - Some scholars think this whole section is about a father and his virgin daughter. If the father thinks he has bridled his daughter to the extent she might be tempted to engage in premarital sex, then he may give permission for her to marry. In those days marriages occurred when girls were anywhere between fifteen and twenty years of age. Parents in the New Testament had tremendous responsibilities in picking the right mate for their son or daughter, and determining when the child was emotionally ready for marriage. If this is the correct interpretation, there is a very important principle we must not overlook: Children who are considering marriage should not do so unless they receive their parent's consent. God says we are to honor our parents, and because parents have wisdom, we should listen to them about the person we think we want to many. If parents do not approve and we marry anyway, we will most likely always have problems with our parents. 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. Amplified A wife is bound to her husband by law as long as he lives. If the husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she will, only [provided that he too is] in the Lord. Wuest A wife is bound as long as her husband may live. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry whomever she desires, only in the Lord. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound as long as her husband is living. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes (only someone in the Lord). NLT 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord. ESV 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. NIV 1 Corinthians 7:39 A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. GNT 1 Corinthians 7:39 Γυνὴ δέδεται ἐφ᾽ ὅσον χρόνον ζῇ ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς· ἐὰν δὲ κοιμηθῇ ὁ ἀνήρ, ἐλευθέρα ἐστὶν ᾧ θέλει γαμηθῆναι, μόνον ἐν κυρίῳ. KJV 1 Corinthians 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. YLT 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife hath been bound by law as long time as her husband may live, and if her husband may sleep, she is free to be married to whom she will -- only in the Lord; ASV 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. CSB 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound as long as her husband is living. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to anyone she wants-- only in the Lord. NKJ 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. NRS 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound as long as her husband lives. But if the husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord. NAB 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whomever she wishes, provided that it be in the Lord. NJB 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is tied as long as her husband is alive. But if the husband dies, she is free to marry anybody she likes, only it must be in the Lord. GWN 1 Corinthians 7:39 A married woman must remain with her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if the man is a Christian. BBE 1 Corinthians 7:39 It is right for a wife to be with her husband as long as he is living; but when her husband is dead, she is free to be married to another; but only to a Christian. wife: 1Co 7:10,15 Ro 7:2-3 only: Ge 6:2 De 7:3,4 Mal 2:11 2Co 6:14-16 1 Corinthians 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Romans 7:2-3+ For the married woman is bound (deo) by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released (katargeo) from the law concerning the husband. 3 So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man. A WIDOW IS FREE TO MARRY A BELIEVER A wife is bound (deo) as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead - Dead is literally fall asleep but it is often used in the Bible as a euphemism for the death of a believer. Is dead (Fall asleep) (2837) koimao related to keimai = to lie outstretched, to lie down) means to cause to sleep, is the word from which we get our word cemetery (see note below) which it was the early Christians optimistic name for a graveyard. It meant a sleeping place. It really was a synonym for a dormitory, a place where people sleep. This metaphorical use of the word sleep is appropriate because of the similarity in appearance between a sleeping body and a dead body; restfulness and peace normally characterize both. The object of the metaphor is to suggest that as the sleeper does not cease to exist while his body sleeps, so the dead person continues to exist despite his absence from the region in which those who remain can communicate with him, and that, as sleep is known to be temporary, so the death of the body will be found to be. Sleep has its waking, death will have its resurrection. In short, death to the believer is a sleep for his body—a period of rest to be followed by a glorious day. Komiao -18v in NT - Matt. 27:52; Matt. 28:13; Lk. 22:45; Jn. 11:11; Jn. 11:12; Acts 7:60; Acts 12:6; Acts 13:36; 1 Co. 7:39; 1 Co. 11:30; 1 Co. 15:6; 1 Co. 15:18; 1 Co. 15:20; 1 Co. 15:51; 1 Thess. 4:13; 1 Thess. 4:14; 1 Thess. 4:15; 2 Pet. 3:4 She is free (eleutheros) to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord - Amplified - "[provided that he too is] in the Lord." That is to say he is a believer. This is the strongest NT verse supporting the idea that Christians should marry only other Christians. -- Moody Bible Commentary Arnold - A widow is free to marry the husband of her choice according to Paul. Apparently she did not have to get parental consent, although that might not be a bad idea. The widow is free to remarry but only in the Lord. She can remarry only a Christian. Christians are told not to be yoked up with unbelievers and this certainly applies to marriage. “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness... What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever” (2 Cor. 6:14-15)? An old Puritan preacher once said, “If you marry a child of the Devil, you will be sure to have trouble with your father-in-law.” When a Christian marries an unbeliever, there is really no possibility of true oneness. Paul says a widow facing her declining years, if she senses a great loneliness and needs companionship, may remarry in good conscience, but she must not marry just anyone out of loneliness. She must marry a Christian and preferably a Spirit-filled Christian. Jon Courson - Throughout the centuries, people have read I Corinthians 7 and concluded that, because he speaks so highly of the single state, Paul has a problem with marriage. But that is because they fail to take into account Paul’s full counsel—for in his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul elevates marriage to a place of utmost glory when he uses it as an illustration for no less a relationship than that of Christ and the Church. The way a husband lays down his life for his wife and the way a wife submits to her husband is a powerful illustration which can be seen on every street in every neighborhood. Bunches of people aren’t into church, so the Lord brings the Church to them through the illustration of marriage wherein people see how much He loves the Church and how the Church submits to Him. It’s an awesome responsibility for all who are married. That is not to say people need to see perfection—just something remarkably different than what they see in society. And yet, as seen here in I Corinthians 7, Paul says singleness has its own unique beauty, its own important role to play in the Body. The single state is not to be looked down upon, dreaded, or merely endured. Those who are called to a single life or who find themselves in a single state fulfill a very real function—to serve the Lord with spontaneity and without distraction. Marriage is a picture, but, in a sense, singleness can be the reality—for it is the single person uniquely who can say, ‘I am married to You, Lord. You are my Husband, my Love, my best Friend. And I will be devoted to you single-heartedly for as long as You have me in this state.’ Whether single or married, widowed or divorced—be content wherever God has you. And whatever your position, make Jesus your passion. (A Day's Journey) Warren Wiersbe -MAKING MARRIAGE LAST It is God's will that the marriage union be permanent, a lifetime commitment. There is no place in Christian marriage for a "trial marriage," nor is there any room for the "escape-hatch attitude: "If the marriage doesn't work, we can always get a divorce." For this reason, marriage must be built on something sturdier than good looks, money, romantic excitement, and social acceptance. There must be Christian commitment, character, and maturity. There must be a willingness to grow, to learn from each other, to forgive and forget, to minister to one another. Paul closed the section by telling the widows that they were free to marry, but the man "must belong to the Lord" (v. 39). This means that they must not only marry believers, but marry in the will of God. Paul's counsel was that they remain single, but he left the decision to them. God has put "walls" around marriage, not to make it a prison, but to make it a safe fortress. The person who considers marriage a prison should not get married. When two people are lovingly and joyfully committed to each other—and to their Lord—the experience of marriage is one of enrichment and enlargement. They grow together and discover the richness of serving the Lord as a "team" in their home and church. Applying God's Truth: 1. Based on personal observations, what would you say are the most common reasons for divorce? 2. Now, thinking of the couples you know who have been together for a long time, what do you see as the "secrets" of a strong marriage? 3. In what ways do you feel people today take marriage (and remarriage) too lightly? (Pause for Power) 1 Corinthians 7:40 But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God. Amplified But in my opinion [a widow] is happier (more blessed and to be envied) if she does not remarry. And also I think I have the Spirit of God. Wuest But she is in a state more conducive to her well-being if she remains as she is, in my judgment. However, I think, as for myself, I also have God’s Spirit [in this, as well as my own judgment]. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 7:40 But in my opinion, she will be happier if she remains as she is– and I think that I too have the Spirit of God! NLT 1 Corinthians 7:40 But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God's Spirit when I say this. ESV 1 Corinthians 7:40 Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God. NIV 1 Corinthians 7:40 In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is--and I think that I too have the Spirit of God. GNT 1 Corinthians 7:40 μακαριωτέρα δέ ἐστιν ἐὰν οὕτως μείνῃ, κατὰ τὴν ἐμὴν γνώμην· δοκῶ δὲ κἀγὼ πνεῦμα θεοῦ ἔχειν. KJV 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God. YLT 1 Corinthians 7:40 and she is happier if she may so remain -- according to my judgment; and I think I also have the Spirit of God. ASV 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God. CSB 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she remains as she is, in my opinion. And I think that I also have the Spirit of God. NKJ 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment-- and I think I also have the Spirit of God. NRS 1 Corinthians 7:40 But in my judgment she is more blessed if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God. NAB 1 Corinthians 7:40 She is more blessed, though, in my opinion, if she remains as she is, and I think that I too have the Spirit of God. NJB 1 Corinthians 7:40 She would be happier if she stayed as she is, to my way of thinking -- and I believe that I too have the Spirit of God. GWN 1 Corinthians 7:40 However, she will be more blessed if she stays as she is. That is my opinion, and I think that I, too, have God's Spirit. BBE 1 Corinthians 7:40 But it will be better for her to keep as she is, in my opinion: and it seems to me that I have the Spirit of God. she: 1Co 7:1,8,26,35 I think: 1Co 7:25 9:1-3 14:36,37 2Co 10:8-10 12:11 1Th 4:8 2Pe 3:15,16 1 Corinthians 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL'S JUDGMENT FAVORS SINGLENESS But in my opinion she is happier if she remains (meno) as she is - Amplified = "But in my opinion [a widow] is happier (more blessed and to be envied) if she does not remarry." Wuest = "But she is in a state more conducive to her well-being if she remains as she is, in my judgment." My opinion does not in any way mean this was not inspired but that there was no authoritative teaching elsewhere in the Bible and just to rebut the skeptics he adds "I also have the Spirit of God!" (See 2 Peter 1:21+). (See preceding discussion of plenary inspiration related to 1 Cor 7:12 = "to the rest I say, not the Lord") Arnold - If a widow stays single, which Paul thinks is the happier state, she has more time to serve and please the Lord. Many times widows and widowers admit that the second marriage was a mistake, although sometimes the second marriage is a real blessing. and I think that I also have the Spirit of God - NLT - "I think I am giving you counsel from God's Spirit when I say this." Arnold Marriage is serious business. Warren Wiersbe in the book Be Wise suggests five questions to be answered when considering marriage: 1) What is my gift from God? 2) Am I marrying a believer? 3) Are the circumstances such that marriage is right? 4) How will marriage affect my service for Christ? 5) Am I prepared to enter into this union for life? Every single person when feeling a little panicky about not being married should meditate on the truth that there is something worse than not being married and that is being married to the wrong person. Or as Jim Fitzgerald wisely says, "Better to be single and want to be married then to be married and want to be single.”