Warning Against Idleness

⁶ In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,^(A) we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from^(B) every believer who is idle and disruptive^(C) and does not live according to the teaching^[a] you received from us.^{(D) 7} For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.^(E) We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked^(F) night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,^(G) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.^{(H) 10} For even when we were with you,^(I) we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work^(J) shall not eat.”

¹¹ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.^{(K) 12} Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ^(L) to settle down and earn the food they eat.^{(M) 13} And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.^(N)

¹⁴ Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them,^(O) in order that they may feel ashamed.^(P)

¹⁰ And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia.^(A) Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,^{(B) 11} and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands,^(C) just as we told you, ¹² so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders^(D) and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

⁹ Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked^(A) night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone^(B) while we preached the gospel of God to you.