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)

⁶ We were not looking for praise from people,^(A) not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles^(B) of Christ we could have asserted our authority.^{(C) 7} Instead, we were like young children^[a] among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,^{(D) 8} so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God^(E) but our lives as well.^{(F) 9} Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked^(G) night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone^(H) while we preached the gospel of God to you. ¹⁰ You are witnesses,^(I) and so is God,^(J) of how holy,^(K) righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. ¹¹ For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,^{(L) 12} encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy^(M) of God, who calls^(N) you into his kingdom and glory.