But I speak this by permission, and not as a commandment.
And to the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, The wife should not leave her husband:
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is pleased to dwell with him, he should not put her away.
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment from the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord to be faithful.
But she is happier if she so remains, according to my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.
That which I speak, I do not speak it according to the Lord, but as if foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the eagerness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.