20. Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.
21. Were you called while a slave? It matters not to you, but if you are able to become free too, rather use it.
22. For he who is called in the Master while a slave is the Master’s freed man. Likewise he who is called while free is a slave of Messiah.
23. You were bought with a price, do not become slaves of men.
24. Brothers, let each one remain with Elohim in that calling in which he was called.
25. And concerning maidens: I have no command from the Master, but I give judgment as one whom the Master in His compassion has made trustworthy.
26. I think then that this is good because of the present necessity, that it is good for a man to remain as he is.
27. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife.
28. But even if you should marry, you have not sinned. And if a maiden should marry, she has not sinned. But such shall have pressure in the flesh, but I would spare you.
29. And this I say, brothers, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none,
30. and those who weep as though they did not weep, and those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, and those who buy as though they did not possess,
31. and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the scene of this world is passing away.
32. And I wish you to be without concern. He who is unmarried is concerned about the matters of the Master – how to please the Master.
33. But he who is married is concerned about the matters of the world – how to please his wife.
34. There is a difference between a wife and a maiden. The unmarried woman is concerned about the matters of the Master, that she might be set-apart both in body and in spirit. But she who is married is concerned about the matters of the world – how to please her husband.
35. And this I say for your own good, not to put a restraint on you, but for what is proper, and to attend to the Master without distraction.
36. And if anyone thinks he is behaving improperly toward his maiden, if she is past the flower of her youth, and so it should be, let him do what he desires, he does not sin – let them marry.
37. But he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, and has authority over his own desire, and has so decided in his heart to guard his own maiden, does well.
38. So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.
39. A wife is bound by Torah as long as her husband lives, and if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she desires, only in the Master.