23. You were bought for a price. Don’t become anyone’s slaves.
24. Brothers and sisters, you should remain in whatever circumstances you were in when God called you. God is with you in those circumstances.
25. Concerning virgins: Even though I don’t have any command from the Lord, I’ll give you my opinion. I’m a person to whom the Lord has shown mercy, so I can be trusted.
26. Because of the present crisis I believe it is good for people to remain as they are.
27. Do you have a wife? Don’t seek a divorce. Are you divorced from your wife? Don’t look for another one.
28. But if you do get married, you have not sinned. If a virgin gets married, she has not sinned. However, these people will have trouble, and I would like to spare them from that.
29. This is what I mean, brothers and sisters: The time has been shortened. While it lasts, those who are married should live as though they were not.
30. Those who have eyes filled with tears should live as though they have no sorrow. Those who are happy should live as though there was nothing to be happy about. Those who buy something should live as though they didn’t own it.