But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
If self-control cannot be maintained while pursuing Mattie Stratton, the verse requires ending the pursuit or marrying her. Continuing an improper courtship while burning with unsatisfied desire is not permitted as a middle course. The reason is that such conduct brings scandal and reproach upon the church. Marriage is therefore presented as the honorable remedy for lack of continence, and abandoning the pursuit as the honorable alternative when marriage is not undertaken.
If self-control cannot be maintained while pursuing Mattie Stratton, the verse requires ending the pursuit or marrying her. Continuing an improper courtship while burning with unsatisfied desire is not permitted as a middle course. The reason is that such conduct brings scandal and reproach upon the church. Marriage is therefore presented as the honorable remedy for lack of continence, and abandoning the pursuit as the honorable alternative when marriage is not undertaken.