If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly towards his fiancée, if his passions are strong, and so it has to be, let him marry as he wishes; it is no sin. Let them marry. But if someone stands firm in his resolve, being under no necessity but having his own desire under control, and has determined in his own mind to keep her as his fiancée, he will do well. So then, he who marries his fiancée does well; and he who refrains from marriage will do better. (1Corinthians 7: 36-38)

Discerning the grammar and meaning of the first sentence is especially difficult. Over the years at least three distinct meanings have contended. The precise relationship of the subject - fiance, father, or religious director - to the object - fiancee, daughter, or state of virginity - is the principle source of contention.

Above the translator has made a clear choice. For our purposes, it is probably more helpful to focus on Paul's second sentence. Here is my attempt at a very literal translation:

"When one's spiritual and physical core stands firm - bends to no external claims, exercizing the power of choice over one's own desires - making a conscious choice from one's own spiritual and physical core to preserve virginity, it is nobly and truly decided."

It seems to me that the virginal outcome is but a particular example of the way in which a person of faith is to approach any decision: We are to recognize it is a free choice, we are to be cautious of our motivations and desires, we are to look to our essential character (where we are most likely to find God), and we are to make a self-aware choice that does not indulge our superficial desires but honors and fulfills our relationship with God.