2 Thessalonians 3:4-18

English Standard Version

⁴ And ^(A)we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. ⁵ May the Lord ^(B)direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Warning Against Idleness

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, ^(C)in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ^(D)that you keep away from any ^(E)brother ^(F)who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know ^(G)how you ought to imitate us, because ^(H)we were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but ^(I)with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ It was ^(J)not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves ^(K)an example to imitate. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: ^(L)If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. ¹¹ For we hear that some among you ^(M)walk in idleness, not busy at work, but ^(N)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, ^(O)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 ^(P)have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. ^15 (Q)Do not regard him as an enemy, but ^(R)warn him as a brother.

Benediction

¹⁶ Now may ^(S)the Lord of peace himself ^(T)give you peace at all times in every way. ^(U)The Lord be with you all.

¹⁷ I, Paul, write ^(V)this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. ^18 (W)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.