Neville Goddard on 1 Corinthians 7:37-38 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read 1 Corinthians 7 in context

Scripture Focus

37Nevertheless 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.

38So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

1 Corinthians 7:37-38

Biblical Context

The passage praises a person who remains steadfast in his heart by inner decree and freedom from necessity; marriage is acceptable, but not marrying is described as better.

Neville's Inner Vision

In Neville Goddard's reading, this text reveals a state of consciousness rather than a mere rule about marriage. The steadfast heart, the power over one’s own will, and the decree to keep one’s virgin signify a purified state of awareness—an undistracted attention and disciplined energy directed toward a chosen end. When you align with the I AM within and insist upon your inner decree, you create conditions from within rather than yielding to external pressures. The external option of marriage in the verse becomes a surface form arising from inner choice; the true matter is the inner not-knowing of necessity and the clarity of purpose. Your life manifests from the inner state you inhabit and maintain. Therefore, the higher wisdom is not judgment about marriage but the freedom and discernment that come with a steadfast mind. Your vocation and integrity flow from this inner alignment, as imagination becomes the cause of outer form.

Practice This Now

Practice: assume the state of not being bound by lack or external pressure, declare inwardly, 'I am steadfast in my heart and freely choose my true vocation,' and feel that inner decree settle into your chest and radiate outward.