2 Thessalonians 3:6–15

Warning against Idleness

⁶Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister living irresponsibly and not according to the tradition that they^h received from us.^{* 7}For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not irresponsible when we were with you,^{* 8}and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day so that we might not burden any of you.^{* 9}This was not because we do not have that right but in order to give you an example to imitate.^{* 10}For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: anyone unwilling to work should not eat. ¹¹For we hear that some of you are living irresponsibly, mere busybodies, not doing any work.^{* 12}Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.^{* 13}Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.

¹⁴Take note of those who do not obey what we say in this letter; have nothing to do with them, so that they may be ashamed.^{* 15}Do not regard them as enemies, but admonish them as brothers and sisters.