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.