Warning Against Idleness

Now we command you, brothers, (A)in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (B)that you keep away from any (C)brother (D)who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know (E)how you ought to imitate us, because (F)we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but (G)with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was (H)not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves (I)an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: (J)If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you (K)walk in idleness, not busy at work, but (L)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, (M)do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and (N)have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 (O)Do not regard him as an enemy, but (P)warn him as a brother.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Greek to eat their own bread

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.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

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