2 Thessalonians 3:6–15

Warning Against Idleness

⁶In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,^y we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from^z every believer who is idle and disruptive^a and does not live according to the teaching^a 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, ⁸nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked^d night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹We 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 work^h shall not eat.”

¹¹We 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 Christ^j 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

¹⁴Take 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