2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 - Warning Against Lazy, Irresponsible Behavior

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, in the name [i.e., by the authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you people stay away from every brother [or sister] who lives an idle life [See note on I Thess. 5:14], and not according to the [inspired] tradition which you received from us. ⁷ For you, yourselves, know how you ought to follow our example, for we did not live in idleness when we were among you; ⁸ neither did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. But by hard labor and toil, we worked night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you. ⁹ [We did this], not because we did not have a right [to support], but so we could become an example for you to imitate. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we gave you this order: If any person does not [want to] work, he should not [get to] eat. ¹¹ For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, refusing to work, but [instead] are just being busybodies. ¹² Now we command and urge such people, in [the fellowship of] the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work quietly and earn their own living. ¹³ But you, brothers, should not get tired of doing what is right.

¹⁴ And if any person does not obey our instructions, [given] in this letter, you should take note of him so that you do not associate with him, in hope that he will become ashamed [of his conduct]. ¹⁵ And yet do not consider him to be an enemy, but warn him as [you would] a [Christian] brother.