22. For he that was called in the Lord, being a bondservant, is the Lord's freedman: likewise he that was called, being free, is Christ's bondservant.
23. Ye were bought with a price; become not bondservants of men.
24. Brethren, let each man, wherein he was called, therein abide with God.
25. Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
26. I think therefore that this is good by reason of the present distress, namely, that it is good for a man to be as he is.
27. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
28. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you.
29. But this I say, brethren, the time is shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none;
30. and those that weep, as though they wept not; and those that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those that buy, as though they possessed not;
31. and those that use the world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.