But in my judgment she is happier if she so remains as she is. And I think that I have the Spirit of God.
Therefore he that despises does not despise man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.
I have become a fool in boasting. You have compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am in no way inferior to the leading apostles, though I am nothing.
I say this for your own benefit, not to put any restraint upon you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.
I say to the unmarried and widows that it is good for them if they live even as I am.
I speak this as a concession and not as a command.
Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: “It is good for a man not to touch a woman.”
And in this matter I give my advice. It is appropriate for you, who began last year not only to give, but also to willingly give.
since you seek proof of Christ speaking through me, who toward you is not weak, but is mighty in you.