What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she consents to live with him, let him not divorce her.
Now concerning virgins, I have no command of the Lord; but I give judgment, as having received mercy by the Lord to be faithful.
But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment.
Oh, that you would bear with me a little in my foolishness; but indeed you do bear with me.
lest perhaps if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.