1Corinthians 7:32-35 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried cares for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married cares for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married cares for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that you may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
‘Without carefulness’ – Carefulness is a characteristic of being cautious, thoughtful, or prudent. When you write “fragile” on a package, you’re hoping it will be handled with care. Acting without thinking things through is carelessness. You can think of carelessness as negligence, a failure to pay close attention or carefully consider the possible ramifications of your actions. Paul is warning against such an attitude that can turn out disastrous.
‘He that is unmarried cares for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord.’ The single man or woman can attend to the things of the Lord without distraction (7:32, 34).
‘He that is married cares for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.’ The married man or woman has many responsibilities in caring for their family and household (7:33-34).
‘Holy’ [Greek: hagios] devoted; holy; pure. Here it means that she may be devoted to God and pure in both body and spirit so that she may attend to the things of God without distraction (7:34-35). ‘I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you.’ Paul gives a warning that will benefit those who fall in the noted categories and not to ensnare them. This is what a godly warning should consist of, it must be for the hearer’s benefit and not something that will entrap them.
Living the Word 