¹² We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.

¹¹ Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.

²⁸ If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.

⁸ We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you.

Live to Please God

4 Finally, dear brothers and sisters,^[a] we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.

⁶ And yet,

² Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.