So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well, and he who doesn’t give her in marriage does better.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 38. and so forth He that giveth her not, doth better. And more blessed shall she be, if she so remains, according to my counsel. It is very strange if any one, who reads this chapter without prejudices, does not clearly see, that Saint Paul advises, and prefers the state of virginity to that of a married life.—I think that I also have the spirit of God. He puts them in mind, by this modest way of speaking, of what they cannot doubt of, as to so great an apostle. Witham.—It is worthy our notice, that Saint Paul on every occasion avoids the least appearance of vanity, and frequently when delivering his own opinion, gives us only a hint, hoping that we shall supply the rest. Of this apostle’s modesty in this particular, we have many instances in his writings, as in verse 26. “I think, therefore, that this is good;” and likewise in chap. 4 verse 9. “For I think that God.” Estius.