1 Corinthians 7:33, He May Please His Wife

1 Corinthians 7:33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

The unmarried Christian may give his or her undivided attention to the things of God whereas the married has to consider the the spouse’s needs and adjust accordingly. Caring for the things of the world is a phrase alluding to the fact that the spouse’s needs are to be taken into consideration which may compromise the priority of the gospel.

It is a practical consideration that is being highlighted so that the church may be aware of the challenges, limitations of married persons in the gospel work. This is not to say that the married person will be less effective in the Lord’s service. Rather, it is to highlight the unique predicament of the married person from the single person. Barnes observed, “This would be especially true in times of persecution. How he mast please his wife. How he may gratify her; how he may accommodate himself to her temper and wishes, to make her happy. The apostle here plainly intimates that there would be danger that the man would be so anxious to gratify his wife, as to interfere with his direct religious duties. This may be done in many ways.”

Indeed, both the married and unmarried can provide their valuable contributions to the advancement of God’s kingdom. May God’s Name be glorified as each endeavour to serve the Lord! Amen.