¶ This I say of favour, not of commandment.
¶ Unto the married command not I, but the Lord: that the wife separate not herself from the man.
¶ To the remnant speak I, and not the Lord: if any brother have a wife that believeth not, if she be content to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
¶ As concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord: yet give I counsel as one that hath obtained of the Lord to be faithful.
But she is happier if she so abide, in my judgement. And I think verily that I have the spirit of God.
That I speak, I speak it not after the ways of the Lord: but as it were foolishly, while we are now come to boasting.
This say I not as commanding: but because other are so fervent, therefore prove I your love, whether it be perfect or no.