Warning Against Idleness

⁶ In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,^(A) we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from^(B) every believer who is idle and disruptive^(C) and does not live according to the teaching^[a] you received from us.^{(D) 7} For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.^(E) 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 worked^(F) 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,^(G) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.^{(H) 10} For even when we were with you,^(I) we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work^(J) shall not eat.”

¹¹ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.^{(K) 12} Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ^(L) to settle down and earn the food they eat.^{(M) 13} And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.^(N)

¹⁴ Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them,^(O) in order that they may feel ashamed.^{(P) 15} Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.^(Q)

⁹ What do workers gain from their toil?^{(A) 10} I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.^{(B) 11} He has made everything beautiful in its time.^(C) He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet^[a] no one can fathom^(D) what God has done from beginning to end.^{(E) 12} I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. ¹³ That each of them may eat and drink,^(F) and find satisfaction^(G) in all their toil—this is the gift of God.^(H)