Warning Against Idleness

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of [fn]our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother who walks in idleness and does not live according to the teaching we passed on to [fn]them. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat bread from anyone free of charge. On the contrary, with labor and hardship we worked day and night so as not to be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to be supported, but to present ourselves as an example for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat.” 11 For we hear that some among you are walking in idleness, not working at all, but being busybodies. 12 Now we command and exhort such people [fn]by our Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of him and do not associate with him, so that he will feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.