Warning Against Idleness

6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,y we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away fromz every believer who is idle and disruptivea and does not live according to the teachinga you received from us.b 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.c We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we workedd night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,e but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.f 10 For even when we were with you,g we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to workh shall not eat.”

11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.i 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christj to settle down and earn the food they eat.k 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.l

14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them,m in order that they may feel ashamed.n 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.o