What I say in this confidence of boasting, I am not saying in accordance with the Lord, but as a fool.
Now to the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she consents to dwell with him, he must not divorce her.
Now concerning virgins, I do not have a command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who has been shown mercy by the Lord to be trustworthy.
Now I say this as a concession, not as a command.
If only you would bear with me for a bit in my foolishness! Yes, do bear with me!
Otherwise, if any of the Macedonians were to come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you) would be ashamed of this confident boasting.