Warning against Irresponsible Behavior

⁶ Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name^(A) of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister^(B) who is idle and does not live^[a] according to the tradition^(C) received^(D) from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you should imitate^(E) us: We were not idle among you; ⁸ we did not eat^(F) anyone’s food free of charge;^(G) instead, we labored^(H) and toiled,^(I) working^(J) night and day, so that we would not be a burden^(K) to any of you. ⁹ It is not that we don’t have the right^(L) to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate^(M) us. ¹⁰ In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.”^{(N) 11} For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies.^{(O) 12} Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and provide for themselves.^{[b] 13} But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary^(P) in doing good.

¹⁴ If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take note of that person; don’t associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. ¹⁵ Yet don’t consider him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

⁵ Now I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.”^{(A) 6} Even if I am untrained in public speaking,^(B) I am certainly not untrained in knowledge.^(C) Indeed, we have in every way made that clear to you in everything. ⁷ Or did I commit a sin by humbling^(D) myself so that you might be exalted,^(E) because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?^{(F) 8} I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to minister to you. ⁹ When I was present with you and in need, I did not burden anyone, since the brothers who came from Macedonia^(G) supplied my needs.^(H) I have kept myself, and will keep myself, from burdening you in any way.

Benediction and Farewell

²⁰ Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep^(A)—through the blood of the everlasting covenant,^{(B) 21} equip^[a] you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.^[b](C) Amen.