40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.
40 In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is-and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
40 Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
40 By now you know that I think she'll be better off staying single. The Master, in my opinion, thinks so, too.
40 But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment--and I think I also have the Spirit of God.
40 But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God's Spirit when I say this.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:40
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:36-40
(Read 1 Corinthians 7:36-40)
The apostle is thought to give advice here about the disposal of children in marriage. In this view, the general meaning is plain. Children should seek and follow the directions of their parents as to marriage. And parents should consult their children's wishes; and not reckon they have power to do with them, and dictate just as they please, without reason. The whole is closed with advice to widows. Second marriages are not unlawful, so that it is kept in mind, to marry in the Lord. In our choice of relations, and change of conditions, we should always be guided by the fear of God, and the laws of God, and act in dependence on the providence of God. Change of condition ought only to be made after careful consideration, and on probable grounds, that it will be to advantage in our spiritual concerns.