2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 (English Standard Version)

Warning Against Idleness

 ⁶Now we command you, brothers,^(A) in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,^(B) that you keep away from any^(C) brother^(D) who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. ⁷For you yourselves know^(E) how you ought to imitate us, because^(F) we were not idle when we were with you, ⁸nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but^(G) with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. ⁹It was^(H) not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves^(I) an example to imitate. ¹⁰For even when we were with you, we would give you this command:^(J) If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. ¹¹For we hear that some among you^(K) walk in idleness, not busy at work, but^(L) busybodies. ¹²Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.^[a]