1 Corinthians 7:32
Parallel Verses
New International Version
I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs--how he can please the Lord.


English Standard Version
I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord.


New American Standard Bible
But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;


King James Bible
But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:


Holman Christian Standard Bible
I want you to be without concerns. An unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord--how he may please the Lord.


International Standard Version
I want you to be free from concerns. An unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord, that is, about how he can please the Lord.


American Standard Version
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:


Douay-Rheims Bible
But I would have you to be without solicitude. He that is without a wife, is solicitous for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please God.


Darby Bible Translation
But I wish you to be without care. The unmarried cares for the things of the Lord, how he shall please the Lord;


Young's Literal Translation
And I wish you to be without anxiety; the unmarried is anxious for the things of the Lord, how he shall please the Lord;


Commentaries
7:25-35 Considering the distress of those times, the unmarried state was best. Notwithstanding, the apostle does not condemn marriage. How opposite are those to the apostle Paul who forbid many to marry, and entangle them with vows to remain single, whether they ought to do so or not! He exhorts all Christians to holy indifference toward the world. As to relations; they must not set their hearts on the comforts of the state. As to afflictions; they must not indulge the sorrow of the world: even in sorrow the heart may be joyful. As to worldly enjoyments; here is not their rest. As to worldly employment; those that prosper in trade, and increase in wealth, should hold their possessions as though they held them not. As to all worldly concerns; they must keep the world out of their hearts, that they may not abuse it when they have it in their hands. All worldly things are show; nothing solid. All will be quickly gone. Wise concern about worldly interests is a duty; but to be full of care, to have anxious and perplexing care, is a sin. By this maxim the apostle solves the case whether it were advisable to marry. That condition of life is best for every man, which is best for his soul, and keeps him most clear of the cares and snares of the world. Let us reflect on the advantages and snares of our own condition in life; that we may improve the one, and escape as far as possible all injury from the other. And whatever cares press upon the mind, let time still be kept for the things of the Lord.

32. without carefulness—I would have you to be not merely "without trouble," but "without distracting cares" (so the Greek).

careth—if he uses aright the advantages of his condition.

1 Corinthians 7:31
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