⁷ For you yourselves know ^(A)how you ought to imitate us, because ^(B)we were not idle when we were with you,

Warning Against Idleness

⁶ Now 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.

⁹ It was ^(A)not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves ^(B)an example to imitate.

¹⁶ I urge you, then, ^(A)be imitators of me.

11 ^(A)Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

¹⁷ Brothers, ^(A)join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk ^(B)according to the example you have in us.

⁷ Show yourself in all respects to be ^(A)a model of good works, and in your teaching ^(B)show integrity, ^(C)dignity,

⁶ And ^(A)you became imitators of us ^(B)and of the Lord, for ^(C)you received the word in much affliction, ^(D)with the ^(E)joy of the Holy Spirit, ⁷ so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

^12 (A)Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers ^(B)an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

¹⁰ You are witnesses, and ^(A)God also, ^(B)how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.