Finally, brothers,
pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be
honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered
from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord
is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil
one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will
continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your
hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.
Warning Against
Idleness
In the name of the
Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every
brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you
received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow
our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat
anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked
night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden
to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to
such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a
man will not work, he shall not eat."
We hear that some
among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such
people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down
and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of
doing what is right.
If anyone does not
obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do
not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do
not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
