Warning against Irresponsible Behavior

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. For you yourselves know how you should imitate(E) us: We were not idle among you; 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. 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.

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Footnotes

  1. 3:6 Lit walk
  2. 3:12 Lit they may eat their own bread

Discipline for the undisciplined

Brothers and sisters, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to stay away from every brother or sister who lives an undisciplined life that is not in line with the traditions that you received from us. You yourselves know how you need to imitate us because we were not undisciplined when we were with you. We didn’t eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, we worked night and day with effort and hard work so that we would not impose on you. We did this to give you an example to imitate, not because we didn’t have a right to insist on financial support. 10 Even when we were with you we were giving you this command: “If anyone doesn’t want to work, they shouldn’t eat.” 11 We hear that some of you are living an undisciplined life. They aren’t working, but they are meddling in other people’s business. 12 By the Lord Jesus Christ, we command and encourage such people to work quietly and put their own food on the table. 13 Brothers and sisters, don’t get discouraged in doing what is right. 14 Take note of anyone who doesn’t obey what we have said in this letter. Don’t associate with them so they will be ashamed of themselves. 15 Don’t treat them like enemies, but warn them like you would do for a brother or sister.

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