23 You all were bought for a price. So do not become slaves of men.
24 Brothers, in your new life with God each one of you should continue the way you were when you were called.
25 Now I write about people who are not married. I have no command from the Lord about this, but I give my opinion. And I can be trusted, because the Lord has given me mercy.
26 This is a time of trouble. So I think that it is good for you to stay the way you are.
27 If you have a wife, then do not try to become free from her. If you are not married, then do not try to find a wife.
28 But if you decide to marry, this is not a sin. And it is not a sin for a girl who has never married to get married. But those who marry will have trouble in this life. And I want you to be free from this trouble.
29 Brothers, this is what I mean: We do not have much time left. So starting now, those who have wives should use their time to serve the Lord as if they had no wives.