36 But if any man thinks that he is acting unbecomingly toward his virgin daughter, if she is past her youth , and if it must be so , let him do what he wishes , he does not sin ; let her marry . 37 But he who stands firm in his heart , being under no constraint , but has authority over his own will , and has decided this in his own heart , to keep his own virgin daughter, he will do well . 38 So then both he who gives his own virgin daughter in marriage does well , and he who does not give her in marriage will do better .
39 A wife is bound as long as her husband lives ; but if her husband is dead , she is free to be married to whom she wishes , only in the Lord . 40 But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:36-40
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.