2 Thessalonians 3:7-13

English Standard Version

⁷ For you yourselves know ^(A)how you ought to imitate us, because ^(B)we were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but ^(C)with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ It was ^(D)not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves ^(E)an example to imitate. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: ^(F)If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. ¹¹ For we hear that some among you ^(G)walk in idleness, not busy at work, but ^(H)busybodies. 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]

¹³ As for you, brothers, ^(I)do not grow weary in doing good.