What the Bible Says About Waiting Till Marriage
The Bible, as a sacred text for billions of people around the world, offers guidance on various aspects of life, including relationships and marriage. One topic that has garnered significant attention is the concept of waiting till marriage. What does the Bible actually say about this matter, and how does it influence modern beliefs and practices?
In the Bible, the emphasis on waiting till marriage is evident in several passages. One of the most well-known is found in 1 Corinthians 7:2-5, where Paul writes, “But because of fornication, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and again, let the wife render unto the husband due benevolence. 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.” This passage suggests that sexual relations should be reserved for marriage, as God intended.
Another relevant passage is found in Proverbs 5:15-19, which describes a man’s love for his wife as something precious and to be cherished. The passage reads, “Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running water out of thine own well. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wise of him, and he shall be destroyed in them.” This passage emphasizes the importance of fidelity and the sanctity of marriage.
The Bible also addresses the consequences of premarital sex. In Genesis 39:7-9, Joseph is tested by Potiphar’s wife, who desires to seduce him. However, Joseph remains faithful to his master and his future wife, and he refuses to succumb to her advances. This act of self-control is praised in the Bible, as it demonstrates Joseph’s commitment to God’s plan for his life.
While the Bible clearly advocates for waiting till marriage, it is important to recognize that the reasons behind this stance are not solely based on moral or religious convictions. The Bible also emphasizes the importance of physical, emotional, and spiritual unity within the bounds of marriage. Premarital sex can lead to numerous negative consequences, including emotional pain, broken trust, and the potential transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
In conclusion, what the Bible says about waiting till marriage is that it is a divine intention for the sanctity and unity of the marital bond. The Bible encourages believers to practice self-control, fidelity, and to cherish their future spouse. While modern society may view premarital sex as a norm, the Bible offers a different perspective that emphasizes the importance of waiting till marriage for the greater good of individuals and society.
