Warning Against Lazy, Irresponsible Behavior

⁶ But we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who lives irresponsibly and not according to the tradition that they received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how it is necessary to imitate us, that we did not behave irresponsibly among you, ⁸ nor did we eat bread from anyone without paying, but with toil and labor, we were working night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you, ⁹ not that we do not have the right, but so that we may give ourselves as an example to you, so that you may imitate us. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we used to command this to you: that if anyone does not want to work, neither should he eat. ¹¹ For we hear that some among you are living irresponsibly, working at nothing, but being busybodies. ¹² Now we command and we exhort such people in the Lord Jesus Christ that, working with quietness, they eat their own bread. ¹³ But as for you, brothers, do not be discouraged while^[a] doing what is right. ¹⁴ But if anyone does not obey our message through this letter, take note not to associate with him, in order that he may be put to shame. ¹⁵ And do not consider him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.