1 Corinthians 7:35

Profit. Paul now proceeds to assure the believers that all he has said so far in connection with marriage is for their own good. He has no desire or intention to urge upon them celibacy, even though he himself found the single state to be the best for the work he had been called by the Lord to do. There is no compulsion in the matter; let each one weigh carefully the counsel that has been given, and then make his own decision.

The Christian should select the course that will present the fewest obstacles to complete devotion to the service of the Lord.

Snare. Gr. brochos, “a noose,” or “a slip knot.” There is no effort to ensnare the conscience. Paul did not seek to restrain them from that which is lawful and which the good of society, in normal times, generally requires. There was no desire to prevent them from following a course that would contribute to their real happiness, but rather an effort to help them in a time of “distress” (v. 26) and persecution.

Comely. Gr. euschemon, “seemly,” “becoming.” Paul refers to that which contributes to decorum.

Without distraction. See on v. 32.