¹² Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.^[a]

¹¹ and to aspire ^(A)to live quietly, and ^(B)to mind your own affairs, and ^(C)to work with your hands, as we instructed you,

⁸ nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but ^(A)with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.

²⁸ Let the thief no longer steal, but rather ^(A)let him labor, ^(B)doing honest work with his own hands, so ^(C)that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

A Life Pleasing to God

4 Finally, then, brothers,^[a] we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you ^(A)received from us ^(B)how you ought to walk and ^(C)to please God, just as you are doing, that you ^(D)do so more and more.

^6 (A)Better is a handful of ^(B)quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.

^2 (A)for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and ^(B)dignified in every way.