1 Corinthians Chapter 7

CORINTH: RICH GREEK CITY/STATE

(Acts 18:1 [KJV])
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

(Acts 18:8 [KJV])
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

(Acts 19:1 [KJV])
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

(1 Corinthians 1:2 [KJV])
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

(2 Corinthians 1:1 [KJV])
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

(2 Corinthians 1:23 [KJV])
Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

(2 Corinthians 6:11 [KJV])
O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

(2 Timothy 4:20 [KJV])
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

Lots of good, fresh water
Lots of good, arable soil
Lots of good clay for ceramics, pottery, etc., hence "Corinthian Pottery"
Shops, fountains, carved stone temples to the Greek gods, porticos, metal workshops abounded
As a part of a major shipping lane, Corinth has four ports, on the Gulf of Corinth, between two seas
A temple to Apollo was there
Another temple was one to Aphrodite, an acropolis known as Acrocorinth, which was associated with prostitutes for the seafaring men, which made it a rich city
Perusing the two letters Paul wrote to them, it is obvious that they were apostate and backslidden.

1 CORINTHIANS 7: THE MARRIAGE COMMANDS

Marriage: Instituted by God in the Garden (Genesis 2)
The virginity/celibacy gift: A calling to one Husband, the LORD
The married life: A command to serve the LORD and your spouse and to be fruitful and multiply
Marriage Model: One man, one woman
Marriage is to be physical, affectionate whenever possible
The exception: Mutual agreement (consent), temporary, specifically for prayer, fasting
The spiritual side, just for believers, because it is not an unpardonable sin, and obeying God's command for marriage is not for salvation purposes, but for civil order
Do not abandon marriage opnce in it, no exceptions
If you are abandoned by an unbeliever, leave it alone. They need to be saved, do not know God, do not care for His commands, so keep the peace
If you get saved while married and your spouse does not, if they want to stay? OK!
You divorce as a believer? Stay unmarried
The exception: If and when your spouse dies, then you can remarry
Marriage is very hard work, a lot of it, plus strife, distress, division which ditracts us, keeps us from doing God's work too often, certainly from as much devotion to the work of God, but that is life, the only ordained family, only way God wants us to multiply

(1 Corinthians 7:1 [KJV])
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman.

The Cornthians wrote to Paul, presumably asking him questions about relationships, marriage in a loose, Greco-Roman licetious society. Apparently Paul did not write them first. In any case, they either wrote him or wrote him back.
He tells them that virginity, celibacy are good things, probably a foreign idea to them, as it is today in America
Notice he says "not to touch"...because that is the start, touching inappropriately, that which makes the parties uncomfortable because they are not married

(1 Corinthians 7:2 [KJV])
Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Again the model, the basic building block, the foundation for every society, every nation-God's created family of husband, wife, children
Man and woman, one man, one woman. Simple. Easy. Basic.
Destroy any nation by first destroying this structure, by denying the Creator exists and following forward on that, as in Romans chapter 1
Marriage is a Divine Institution, in no way man made. Since god invented it, the enemy has used mankind to destroy it, and any nation that institutes this Divine Institution, the building block of society, the marriage, the family

(1 Corinthians 7:3 [KJV])
Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

Respect and love are due, not earned, unlike what society will tell you.
This means in marriage, for sure. Not so with work, although some is due at the start, as an overseer, we are to treat others the way we would like to be.
Be the type of boss who people want to respect, then expect respect. Be disrespectful? Expect disrespect.
Be the type of worker who bosses want to respect, then expect respect. Be disrespectful? Lazy? Expect disrespect. And to be out of work.
But in marriage? It is due-else stay unmarried, a virgin

(1 Peter 3:7 [KJV])
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

(Ephesians 5:25 [KJV])
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

(Colossians 3:19 [KJV])
Husbands, love [your] wives, and be not bitter against them.

(Matthew 5:31,32 [KJV])
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

(Matthew 7:12 [KJV])
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

(Luke 6:31 [KJV])
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

(1 Corinthians 7:4,5 [KJV])
The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except [it be] with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

When it is in our power, denying wither spouse is sinful, cruel, not to be done-both ways
Being one flesh makes this so. Being two fleshes would not, as in the unmarried
No normal person can withhold like that for a long period, because we are not wired that way, unless called by God, unless caused by some disease
Often, way too often, people do not like what the Word of God teachers, so they take a verse out of its context or privately interpret it to fit their own pet doctrine, their own liking. This is beyond wrong; it is pure, wicked evil.
The context here is denying sex to your spouse, clearly; proximal context being primary. It should not be used as a hammer on the head of the one denying sex, but should not be lied about (denied, privaterly interpreted, taken out of context), as being about something else other than sex by the one denying the spouse sex, either

DEFRAUD, v.t. [L. To cheat.]

To deprive of right, either by obtaining something by deception or artifice, or by taking something wrongfully without the knowledge or consent of the owner; to cheat; to cozen; followed by of before the thing taken; as, to defraud; a man of his right. We have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. 2 Cor 7. The agent who embezzles public property, defrauds the state. The man who by deception obtains a price for a commodity above its value, defrauds the purchaser.
To withhold wrongfully from another what is due to him. Defraud not the hireling of his wages.
To prevent one wrongfully from obtaining what he may justly claim. A man of fortune who permits his son to consume the season of education in hunting, shooting, or in frequenting horse-races, assemblies, etc., defrauds the community of a benefactor, and bequeaths them a nuissance.
To defeat or frustrate wrongfully. By the duties deserted-by the claims defrauded.

INCON'TINENCE
INCON'TINENCY, n. [L. incontinentia. See Continence.]

Want of restraint of the passions or appetites; free or uncontrolled indulgence of the passions or appetites, as of anger.
Want of restraint of the sexual appetite; free or illegal indulgence of lust; lewdness; used of either sex, but appropriately of the male sex. Incontinence in men is the same as unchastity in women.
Among physicians, the inability of any of the animal organs to restrain discharges of their contents, so that the discharges are involuntary; Also, the involuntary discharge itself; as an incontinence of urine in diabetes.

(1 Corinthians 7:6 [KJV])
But I speak this by permission, [and] not of commandment.

We have free will, freedom, and are not to be legalistic about this.
It is a relationship, not lawful orders, this whole marriage thing. It was around long before lawyers and can easily survive them
The Scriptural binding is in not committing adultery, bodily or visually, in our hearts.

PERMIS'SION, n. [L.permissio, from permitto, to permit.]

The act of permitting or allowing.
Allowance; license or liberty granted.
You have given me your permission for this address.

(1 Corinthians 7:7 [KJV])
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

While not specifically listed as a spiritual gift, celibacy must for sure be one. Some have indeed been given the gift of celibacy, but most not. It is unknown for certain, but most probably Paul was never married, as he had this gift, stated here plainly.

We each get a proper gift, not just any gift, not just the ones we want, seek, as God wills Who created us

(1 Corinthians 7:8 [KJV])
I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

The same as above in verse one, repeated here for emphasis
"even as I". This is why we can be nearly 100% certain that Paul was never married-at least not at his time, probably no way after this, either, being in prison
Virgins to remain virgins, widows have ministry to younger women

(1 Corinthians 7:9 [KJV])
But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

At least if they are married, they are not committing adultery, as they have their own husbands
The burning here is burning with lust, not eternal flames of hell, as some hereticks preach!
So being single has its rewards of the ability to do ministry

(1 Corinthians 7:10 [KJV])
And unto the married I command, [yet] not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from [her] husband:

This is not free will, not free will, not license, it IS legalism, because it is against God's Law to divorce, but God said so, so there are consequences, always bad, associated with it
Why? Because it is a command from the LORD, not Paul, cover to cover, as a law, a principle, as something that is sinful, evil, wicked, unlawful, always with consequences

(1 Corinthians 7:11 [KJV])
But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to [her] husband: and let not the husband put away [his] wife.

One of the two had to be instructed first. Why the wife?
This is not an unpardonable sin, but it does not come without sever consequences, this remarrying. It gets easier to leave each time, makes it harder on subsequent spouses, etc.
Separation in Scripture is not "legal" ($$$$$$$$) separation by any means, as in some states. The context here ("for your incontinence") means no sleeping together, as in physical contact .
This goes for both spouses, listed here. DO NOT DIVORCE, unless you understand and do not mind the consequences

(1 Corinthians 7:12,13 [KJV])
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

"The rest" are the mixed couples: one saved, one not
Unequally yoking, normally forbidden, but already married, husband gets saved, wife not
Stay with her, witness to her, be an example to her

(1 Corinthians 7:14 [KJV])
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

There is a blessing being married to a believer, even if an unbeliever denies it
It is not always so good the the believer having to live with the believer, and not always an expectation of obedience to God's law, since they do not know Him
These blessings extend to the offspring, always, believing or not

(1 Corinthians 7:15 [KJV])
But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such [cases]: but God hath called us to peace.

Married believers have a different admonition, as they have God and are told to walk with God
Married unbelievers have no such command, no expectation of marrying for life, too often
Top priority for God is to get saved
Sadly, it is reported that the divorce rate among Christians is the same as the world. No commitment.

(1 Corinthians 7:16 [KJV])
For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save [thy] husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save [thy] wife?

You can witness in every way possible; they have to respond.
They leave anyways, what can you do under those circumstances? Force them to come back? I trow not
The implied answer to this question is a resounding, "NO!"

(1 Peter 3:1 [KJV])
Likewise, ye wives, [be] in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

(1 Corinthians 7:17 [KJV])
But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

We were called to live at peace to our best ability, leaving the power to GOd, the results to God
This is for all Christians, every where, at all times, then as now.

(1 Corinthians 7:18 [KJV])
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

Because causing someone to be circumcised is following the law, it is not necessary to become circumcised
Jews, in time of war, could not deny they were Jews since all the enemy had to do is have them show their private members and, "VOILA! Behold, you lied!"
This was because circumcision was exclusively given to Israel and those who worshiped the Jewish God as Gentiles, not the heathen, pagan, Gentile nations
Our testimony with our voice and our life is more than sufficient to witness for Christ

(Genesis 17:10-14 [KJV])
This [is] my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which [is] not of thy seed.
He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

(1 Corinthians 7:19 [KJV])
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Paul has consistently taught in all places that keeping the law saves no one. Yes, it is the keeping of the commandments of God-yes, but that is all that it is, in the flesh.
Keeping God's commands is not a bad thing, bring peace, order to families, nations, but the context is salvation and the Law which never saved the Jews, will never save us.
It was a SING only to the Jews, never to Gentiles, This is why we no longer need the signs and wonders, being in the Church age.
It is in the flesh, not the spirit and soul, and tell God one can save themselves and remain saved only by keeping the law
It has nothing to do with the Cross of Christ whatsoever
We, as Jew or Gentile, are no longer in the Old Testament, the Old Law. The new LAW is the LAW OF FAITH
God wants our hearts and souls and minds to be circumcised, not our flesh
The ONLY exception Paul made was to appease the Jews, to save a man's skin from violence

TIMOTHEUS, EXCEPTION...IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED

(Acts 16:1-3 [KJV])
Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father [was] a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

NO MORE CIRCUMCISION!

(Acts 15:7-11 [KJV])
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as [he did] unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

(Acts 7:51 [KJV])
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

Acts 13:38, 39 (KJV) Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 15:24 [KJV])
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment:

(Galatians 2:16 [KJV])
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

(Galatians 5:6 [KJV])
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

(Galatians 6:15 [KJV])
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

(Colossians 3:10 [KJV])
And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

(2 Corinthians 5:17 [KJV])
Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

(1 Corinthians 7:20,21 [KJV])
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called [being] a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use [it] rather.

As long as one is not in sin, working in a sinful job, such as a bartender, prostitute (see below John 8:11), pimp, hit man, burglar, member of a violent gang, drug dealer, robber, corrupt lawyer or politician, scam artist, diviner, water witcher, working in a gambling house, etc.
Then no need to change jobs because of an inability, conflict of interest, since you can glorify God in your job.
Economy then determines job change, and life's circumstances

(John 8:11 [KJV])
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

(1 Corinthians 7:22 [KJV])
For he that is called in the Lord, [being] a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, [being] free, is Christ's servant.

One Master, the Heavenly One, if saved.
One Master, to each servant
Many masters on earth, for the unsaved

(1 Corinthians 7:23 [KJV])
Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

No other man but Jesus Christ the God Man, bought our freedom
Any earthly boss is to be toiled for, worked for, given due and earned respect-but not like Jesus Christ. Not even close

(1 Corinthians 7:24 [KJV])
Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

Leaving a life on earth for a life in Heaven does not mean instantly not working, quitting a job-unless that job is wicked, evil, sinful, as mentioned, listed above

(1 Corinthians 7:25 [KJV])
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

Paul says this is not in the Word directly, but God has illustrated it via several persons, not just Paul
God never intended for all nor none to be virgins, as we are to multiply and fill the earth (Genesis
Paul's mercy was given so that he and we could be faithful to God, not being entangled in a relationship doing full time ministry
This is not for everyone, but, and it is the best way to do full time ministry
He is about to explain this in the rest of this chapter

(Genesis 1:28 [KJV])
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

(Genesis 9:1 [KJV])
And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.

(Genesis 9:7 [KJV])
And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.

(1 Corinthians 7:26 [KJV])
I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, [I say], that [it is] good for a man so to be.

The same could be said today, with the present DISTRESS of the porn industry, tell-a-vision, etc., makuing being chaste nearly impossible for either gender

DISTRESS, n. [See Stress.]

The act of distraining; the taking of any personal chattel from a wrong-doer, to answer a demand, or procure satisfaction for a wrong committed.
The thing taken by distraining; that which is seized to procure satisfaction.
A distress of household goods shall be impounded under cover. If the lessor does not find sufficient distress on the premises, etc.
Extreme pain; anguish of body or mind; as, to suffer great distress from the gout, or from the loss of near friends.
Affliction; calamity; misery.
On earth distress of nations. Luke 21.
A state of danger; as a ship in distress, from leaking, loss of spars, or want of provisions or water, etc.

DISTRESS

To pain; to afflict with pain or anguish; applied to the body or the mind. [Literally, to press or strain.]
To afflict greatly; to harass; to oppress with calamity; to make miserable. Distress not the Moabites. Deu 2.
We are troubled on every side, but not distressed. 2 Cor 4.
To compel by pain or suffering.
There are men who can neither be distressed nor won into a sacrifice of duty.

(1 Corinthians 7:27 [KJV])
Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

Changing one's job for another is not even close to the lifelong bond of husband and wife, which is not to be broken, and that by God's command
Marriage is a lot of work...a lifelong job, to be exact
Now add children, a home, jobs, vehicles, bills, things needing repair, finances. Yeah, a lot of work

(1 Corinthians 7:28 [KJV])
But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

Marriage is work......a lot of constant work, for both parties
If anyone refuses to work at and in it, it simply unravels

(1 Corinthians 7:29 [KJV])
But this I say, brethren, the time [is] short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

This was true 2,000 years ago, when the time was short. People did not live long.
This is true today, because people live longer, and their life is STILL a vapor, to this day
Now add to this that the time remaining for the earth is very short, and the rapture is any time now

THE TIME WAS SHORT, IS SHORT, IN EVERY WAY

(James 4:14 [KJV])
Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

(Job 5:7 [KJV])
Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

(Job 14:1,2 [KJV])
Man [that is] born of a woman [is] of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

(Job 7:7 [KJV])
O remember that my life [is] wind: mine eye shall no more see good.

(Job 8:9 [KJV])
(For we [are but of] yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth [are] a shadow:)

(James 1:10 [KJV])
But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

(Isaiah 40:6-8 [KJV])
The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh [is] grass, and all the goodliness thereof [is] as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people [is] grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

(1 Peter 1:24,25 [KJV])
For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

(Psalms 90:5,6 [KJV])
Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are [as] a sleep: in the morning [they are] like grass [which] groweth up. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.

(1 Corinthians 7:30 [KJV])
And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

This is taught throughout Scripture, in many ways
The world is not your home
Anyone wo followed and follows God in this sinful world shall have a reward of eternal life, bliss, tearless joy, for eternity. Irael was promised land and peace when they followed God in the Old Testament. They got it, each time, until they rejected God and returned to captivity

(Psalms 126:4-6 [KJV])
Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him].

(Revelation 7:17 [KJV])
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

(Revelation 21:4 [KJV])
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

(1 Corinthians 7:31 [KJV])
And they that use this world, as not abusing [it]: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

Being good stewards of what we have, not being greedy
Why? You will never see a trailer behind a hearse. No one rich who died every brought it with them to the grave, but left it all behind for others who would die and leave that, in an endless line of succession
Kings, queens, princes, CEOs, billionaires, trillionaires, paupers, all the same.

(Genesis 3:19 [KJV])
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.

(Job 34:15 [KJV])
All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.

VANITY, THIS WORLD, THIS LIFE, THIS DEATH

Vanity (Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary of American English) VAN'ITY, n. [L. vanitas, from vanus, vain.]

Emptiness; want of substance to satisfy desire; uncertainty; inanity.
Vanity of vanities, said the preacher; all is vanity. Eccl 1.
Fruitless desire or endeavor.
Vanity possesseth many who are desirous to know the certainty of things to come.
Trifling labor that produces no good.
Emptiness; untruth
Here I may well show the vanity of what is reported in the story of Walsingham.
Empty pleasure; vain pursuit; idle show; unsubstantial enjoyment.
Sin with vanity had fill'd the works of men.
Think not when woman's transient breath is fled, that all her vanities at once are dead; succeeding vanities she still regards.
Ostentation; arrogance.
Inflation of mind upon slight grounds; empty pride, inspired by an overweening conceit of one's personal attainments or decorations. Fops cannot be cured of their vanity.
Vanity is the food of fools.
No man sympathizes with the sorrows of vanity.

Summarized in Scripture

Vanity is what the pagans, heathens do, and Israel too often followed
Vanity will keep you up at nioght with vain, useless thoughts, especially happening under stress, spiritual attacks
Our days here visually, to our eyes, our observation, are merely fleeting vapors of vanity
Even if they appear fruitful with trappings of this life, they mean nothing physically, only spiritually, bringing people to Jesus Christ
When one lives a vain life, vanity will be their reward.....as in nothing (but hell)
God will not hear vanity, listen to it, will destroy vanity, vain things
No matter who they are, what riches, power, wickedness they have, it is all vanity in the end-THEIR end
Forsaking all vanity is the way of the LORD and, when we are saved, we can forsake it all
Even the most elite, the best among us, even within ourselves, at our best, we are vanity
God shows us this with rebukes, discipline, judgment upon ourselves, individually, as a nation, etc.
Vanity is the language of the wicked, evil, oppressors, suppressors and vanity, of lowborn and highborn, and are together even vanity heavier than them!
Mortal man's thoughts are vanity
Man's sights he sees, his words, this thoughts, all of his actions, in the flesh, are pure vanity
Wealth is vanity from this world and not true wealth, according to the richest man who ever lived, Solomon
Solomon said everything in this world is vanity
Proof of this vanity is the curse of death upon the rich, the poor, the wise, the fool, the saved and the lost
With everything in this world, technology, conveniences, amusement, etc. man is no better off (Ecclesiastes 6:11)
Vanity is when good things happen to the wicked, and wicked things happen to the righteous
Israel's prophets prophesied vanity

(2 Kings 17:15 [KJV])
And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that [were] round about them, [concerning] whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.

(Job 7:3 [KJV])
So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me.

(Job 7:16 [KJV])
I loathe [it]; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days [are] vanity.

(Job 15:31 [KJV])
Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.

(Job 15:35 [KJV])
They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.

(Job 31:5 [KJV])
If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;

(Job 35:13 [KJV])
Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.

(Psalms 4:2 [KJV])
O ye sons of men, how long [will ye turn] my glory into shame? [how long] will ye love vanity, [and] seek after leasing? Selah.

(Psalms 10:7 [KJV])
His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity.

(Psalms 12:2 [KJV])
They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

(Psalms 24:4 [KJV])
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

(Psalms 39:5 [KJV])
Behold, thou hast made my days [as] an handbreadth; and mine age [is] as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state [is] altogether vanity. Selah.

(Psalms 39:11 [KJV])
When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man [is] vanity. Selah.

(Psalms 41:6 [KJV])
And if he come to see [me], he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; [when] he goeth abroad, he telleth [it].

(Psalms 62:9 [KJV])
Surely men of low degree [are] vanity, [and] men of high degree [are] a lie: to be laid in the balance, they [are] altogether [lighter] than vanity.

(Psalms 78:33 [KJV])
Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.

(Psalms 94:11 [KJV])
The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they [are] vanity.

(Psalms 119:37 [KJV])
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; [and] quicken thou me in thy way.

(Psalms 144:4 [KJV])
Man is like to vanity: his days [are] as a shadow that passeth away.

(Psalms 144:8 [KJV])
Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand [is] a right hand of falsehood.

(Psalms 144:11 [KJV])
Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand [is] a right hand of falsehood:

(Proverbs 13:11 [KJV])
Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

(Proverbs 21:6 [KJV])
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

(Proverbs 22:8 [KJV])
He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

(Proverbs 30:8 [KJV])
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

(Ecclesiastes 1:2 [KJV])
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all [is] vanity.

(Ecclesiastes 1:14 [KJV])
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

(Ecclesiastes 2:1 [KJV])
I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also [is] vanity.

(Ecclesiastes 2:11 [KJV])
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all [was] vanity and vexation of spirit, and [there was] no profit under the sun.

(Ecclesiastes 2:15 [KJV])
Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also [is] vanity.

(Ecclesiastes 2:17 [KJV])
Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun [is] grievous unto me: for all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

(Ecclesiastes 2:19 [KJV])
And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise [man] or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This [is] also vanity.

(Ecclesiastes 2:21 [KJV])
For there is a man whose labour [is] in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it [for] his portion. This also [is] vanity and a great evil.

(Ecclesiastes 2:23 [KJV])
For all his days [are] sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.

(Ecclesiastes 2:26 [KJV])
For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

(Ecclesiastes 3:19 [KJV])
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all [is] vanity.

(Ecclesiastes 4:4 [KJV])
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.

(Ecclesiastes 4:7 [KJV])
Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

(Ecclesiastes 4:8 [KJV])
There is one [alone], and [there is] not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet [is there] no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither [saith he], For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This [is] also vanity, yea, it [is] a sore travail.

(Ecclesiastes 4:16 [KJV])
[There is] no end of all the people, [even] of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

(Ecclesiastes 5:10 [KJV])
He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this [is] also vanity.

(Ecclesiastes 6:2 [KJV])
A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this [is] vanity, and it [is] an evil disease.

(Ecclesiastes 6:4 [KJV])
For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.

(Ecclesiastes 6:9 [KJV])
Better [is] the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.

(Ecclesiastes 6:11 [KJV])
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what [is] man the better?

(Ecclesiastes 7:6 [KJV])
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so [is] the laughter of the fool: this also [is] vanity.

(Ecclesiastes 7:15 [KJV])
All [things] have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just [man] that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked [man] that prolongeth [his life] in his wickedness.

(Ecclesiastes 8:10 [KJV])
And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this [is] also vanity.

(Ecclesiastes 8:14 [KJV])
There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just [men], unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked [men], to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also [is] vanity.

(Ecclesiastes 9:9 [KJV])
Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that [is] thy portion in [this] life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

(Ecclesiastes 11:8 [KJV])
But if a man live many years, [and] rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh [is] vanity.

(Ecclesiastes 11:10 [KJV])
Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth [are] vanity.

(Ecclesiastes 12:8 [KJV])
Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all [is] vanity.

(Isaiah 5:18 [KJV])
Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:

(Isaiah 30:28 [KJV])
And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and [there shall be] a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing [them] to err.

(Isaiah 40:17 [KJV])
All nations before him [are] as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.

(Isaiah 40:23 [KJV])
That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.

(Isaiah 41:29 [KJV])
Behold, they [are] all vanity; their works [are] nothing: their molten images [are] wind and confusion.

(Isaiah 44:9 [KJV])
They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.

(Isaiah 57:13 [KJV])
When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take [them]: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;

(Isaiah 58:9 [KJV])
Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

(Isaiah 59:4 [KJV])
None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

(Jeremiah 2:5 [KJV])
Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?

(Jeremiah 10:15 [KJV])
They [are] vanity, [and] the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

(Jeremiah 16:19 [KJV])
O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit.

(Jeremiah 18:15 [KJV])
Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways [from] the ancient paths, to walk in paths, [in] a way not cast up;

(Jeremiah 51:18 [KJV])
They [are] vanity, the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

(Ezekiel 13:6 [KJV])
They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word.

(Ezekiel 13:8 [KJV])
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I [am] against you, saith the Lord GOD.

(Ezekiel 13:9 [KJV])
And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

(Ezekiel 13:23 [KJV])
Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

(Ezekiel 21:29 [KJV])
Whiles they see vanity unto thee, whiles they divine a lie unto thee, to bring thee upon the necks of [them that are] slain, of the wicked, whose day is come, when their iniquity [shall have] an end.

(Ezekiel 22:28 [KJV])
And her prophets have daubed them with untempered [morter], seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.

(Hosea 12:11 [KJV])
[Is there] iniquity [in] Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars [are] as heaps in the furrows of the fields.

(Habakkuk 2:13 [KJV])
Behold, [is it] not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?

(Zechariah 10:2 [KJV])
For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because [there was] no shepherd.

(Romans 8:20 [KJV])
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope,

(Ephesians 4:17 [KJV])
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

(2 Peter 2:18 [KJV])
For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

(1 Corinthians 7:32 [KJV])
But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

Paul is saying he prefers unmarried men to do the work of the LORD
Focus is split, attention is split, hearts are split, service is split when we are married
This is by necessity, since the two are now one, husband cares for wife, works, provides for her, their children

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

Paul is not here saying that there is anything wrong with this, and he knows that it is necessary
It is just a fact of life, with divided loyalties, serving two masters-not that the wife is the master, no, but the unmarried can devote more to ministry than the married
Two roles: man of God, husband and father

(1 Corinthians 7:34 [KJV])
There is difference [also] between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please [her] husband.

It is a two-edged sword, with the same for a woman as a man.
Two roles: woman of God, wife and mother

It must also be remembred that we are all called to be men and women of God, full time ministry or not, as spouses and parents.

(1 Corinthians 7:35 [KJV])
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 ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

The whole reason for Paul saying this here is to ensure that harts with God are not divided in ministry
Spouses as well should not cause ministries to suffer from division, interference, in any ungodly manner

COMELY, a.

Properly, becoming; suitable: whence, handsome; graceful. Applied to person or form, it denotes symmetry or due proportion, but it expresses less than beautiful or elegant.
I have seen a son of Jesse--comely person. 1 Sam 16.
I will not conceal his comely proportion. Job 41.
Decent; suitable; proper; becoming; suited to time, place, circumstances or persons.
Praise is comely for the upright. Psa 33.
It is comely that a woman pray to God uncovered? 1 Cor 11.
O what a world is this, when what is comely envenoms him that bears it.

COMELY, adv. Handsomely; gracefully.

(1 Corinthians 7:36 [KJV])
But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of [her] age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

The giving of children in marriage is here discussed, as the model for it, for any nation which will be civil, decent
Notice it says virgin here, not daughter, not woman, not lady, nothing else. A very careful choosing of words
Preventing her from marrying, letting her marry. Either way, it is up to the LORD to bring her to her future husband

(1 Corinthians 7:37 [KJV])
Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

If she can pass the flower of her age and remain steadfastly a virgin, then that is OK also, and she can serve the LORD full time, undistracted
This certainly is not for all, since this would lead to a lack of a heritage, lineage
Marriage is a blessing to both God and mankind, as are children

(Psalms 127:3 [KJV])
Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

(Proverbs 17:6 [KJV])
Children's children [are] the crown of old men; and the glory of children [are] their fathers.

(Proverbs 20:7 [KJV])
The just [man] walketh in his integrity: his children [are] blessed after him.

(1 Corinthians 7:38 [KJV])
So then he that giveth [her] in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth [her] not in marriage doeth better.

THE COMMAND: BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY

(Genesis 1:22 [KJV])
And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.

(Genesis 8:17 [KJV])
Bring forth with thee every living thing that [is] with thee, of all flesh, [both] of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.

(Genesis 9:1 [KJV])
And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.

(Genesis 9:7 [KJV])
And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.

(Genesis 17:6 [KJV])
And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

(Genesis 17:20 [KJV])
And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

(Genesis 28:3 [KJV])
And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;

(Genesis 35:11 [KJV])
And God said unto him, I [am] God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

(Genesis 48:4 [KJV])
And said unto me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee [for] an everlasting possession.

(Genesis 49:22 [KJV])
Joseph [is] a fruitful bough, [even] a fruitful bough by a well; [whose] branches run over the wall:

(Leviticus 26:9 [KJV])
For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.

(1 Corinthians 7:39 [KJV])
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

Divorce is not a Scriptural option, except in the case of adultery/fornication
Even then, God prefers we stick it out, suffer for the cause of Christ
Dath only frees one to remarry, and that ONLY to a believer
The marriage contract is for life; death only can void that contract, annul the bond
Marriage is hard work. It is harder

(Matthew 5:32 [KJV])
But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

(Matthew 19:9 [KJV])
And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

(1 Corinthians 7:40 [KJV])
But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

A widow may be better off remaining a widow, in Paul's opinion
Paul is not saying he thinks he is saved (context), he is saying that the Holy Spirit of God is with him on this
Paul, in this chapter, is giving his own opinion, rare in Scripture. Commands are commands, truth is truth and opinions are opinions, with wisdom from Paul in this case
Dogma enters when we make our opinion a doctrine to be kept, not from God-but from us. It is also dangerous, which is why Paul is not being dogmatic here, just using godly wisdom

Links to studies by book or topic are on the right menu.

1 Corinthians 8