But this I say brethren, the time is short, so that from now on, even those who have wives should be as though they had none, (30) those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess,(31)and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away .
The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is replying to direct questions from the Corinthians – he was writing at a time when to profess to be Christian meant to put one’s life in jeopardy because of persecution. There was also some confusion about the time of the second coming as promised by God and many thought it was imminent. In addition, the Corinthians were troubled by false ideas about philosophies of life and moved from excessive and mistaken Christian liberty to asceticism. Here, Paul continues his discussion of marriage versus singleness in view of those perilous times and the shortness of life.
Paul wants relief from anxieties for Christians and if they have the gift for the single life they may devote their thoughts and cares to the Lord in celibacy. BUT he has said not all can enjoy this liberty and his meaning is the unmarried person is free and unhindered (Paul himself remained unmarried for the sake of the gospel) while he is also saying that human nature might make such a condition morally dangerous. Paul is not saying marriage is wrong but that it is the design of God that we are allowed a brief period in this world and should not be bound to earthly things and marriage means certain obligations and cares about temporal things. The Bible makes it clear that marriage is a scriptural norm and marriage is not simply to your partner but a vow before God.
Single life under certain circumstances is preferable, and may be wiser than married life but there are no commands or restrictions with either choice. But we can confuse retirement from society with service to the Lord. There can be trouble in marriage and trouble in the single life. Being married doesn’t solve problems nor does being single.