Study Desk

But this I say, brothers, ^(C1)the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none;

and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess;

and those who use the world, as though they did not ^(C1)make full use of it; for ^(C2)the present form of this world is passing away.

But I want you to be free from concern. One who is ^(C1)unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;

but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife,

and his interests are divided. The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

I say this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but ^(F1)to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.