1 Corinthians 7:32-34

Comparing two equally committed Christians, an unmarried man can give more concentrated attention to the things of the Lord. A married man also needs to think about his family responsibilities. This is true of women, and particularly virgins, as well as men. Queen Elizabeth I said that England was her husband. [Note: Robertson and Plummer, p. 158.] Some interpreters put more emphasis on the negative anxiety feeling while others stress the positive legitimate care that each person needs to show. Both aspects of concern are probably in view. Even though the unmarried state is in one sense preferable, it is not intrinsically better. [Note: Barrett, p. 181.] Unfortunately many single people who have more time to devote to serving the Lord choose to live for themselves.