In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool.
To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her.
Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
I say this as a concession, not as a command.
I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me!
For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.