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Warning against Idleness

Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister living irresponsibly and not according to the tradition that they[a] received from us.(A) For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not irresponsible when we were with you,(B) and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day so that we might not burden any of you.(C) This was not because we do not have that right but in order to give you an example to imitate.(D) 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: anyone unwilling to work should not eat. 11 For we hear that some of you are living irresponsibly, mere busybodies, not doing any work.(E) 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.(F) 13 Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.

14 Take note of those who do not obey what we say in this letter; have nothing to do with them, so that they may be ashamed.(G) 15 Do not regard them as enemies, but admonish them as brothers and sisters.

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Footnotes

  1. 3.6 Other ancient authorities read you

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.

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Footnotes

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