so that you may not become half-hearted, but be imitators of those who through faith and patient endurance are now heirs to the promises.

Do not be indolent when zeal is required. Be thoroughly warm-hearted, the Lord's own servants,

For even when we were with you, we laid down this rule for you: "If a man does not choose to work, neither shall he eat."

Buy up your opportunities, for these are evil times.

For you remember, brethren, our labour and toil: how, working night and day so as not to become a burden to any one of you, we came and proclaimed among you God's Good News.

For even when we were with you, we laid down this rule for you: "If a man does not choose to work, neither shall he eat." For we hear that there are some of you who live disorderly lives and are mere idle busybodies. To persons of that sort our injunction--and our command by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ--is that they are to work quietly and eat their own honestly-earned bread.

"'You wicked and slothful servant,' replied his master, 'did you know that I reap where I have not sown, and garner what I have not winnowed? Your duty then was to deposit my money in some bank, and so when I came I should have got back my property with interest. So take away the talent from him, and give it to the man who has the ten.'read more.
(For to every one who has, more shall be given, and he shall have abundance; but from him who has nothing, even what he has shall be taken away.) But as for this worthless servant, put him out into the darkness outside: *there* will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.'