Does the Bible speak against getting married at a young age?
Question:
I'm currently 17, and I'm engaged to a man who is 25. I am ready for marriage and understand what comes with marriage. I'm aware it is not a game and that it is not easy. Does the Bible speak against getting married young? We have never had sex and plan on waiting until we are married. Would you advise someone my age to get married, if I am ready and mature enough?
Answer:
Since I don't know you, it would be hard for me to judge if you are mature enough for marriage. There is nothing wrong with getting married young per se, and as you get older, the difference in your ages will make less difference. After all, Abraham was ten years older than his wife Sarah. People used to get married regularly in their late teens and early twenties. It has gotten out of fashion more because people committing fornication as a substitute for marriage than for an actual need or benefit. "But if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion" (I Corinthians 7:9).
What I strongly recommend is that you both study about marriage with a preacher and get as prepared as you can. I also recommend that you know each other for a year or more. This will help avoid rash decisions.
What makes a marriage successful, more than anything else, is the dedication of both the husband and wife to making the marriage work despite its ups and downs.
