₆Our brothers and sisters, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to keep away from all believers who are living a lazy life and who do not follow the instructions that we gave them. ₇You yourselves know very well that you should do just what we did. We were not lazy when we were with you. ₈We did not accept anyone's support without paying for it. Instead, we worked and toiled; we kept working day and night so as not to be an expense to any of you. ₉We did this, not because we have no right to demand our support; we did it to be an example for you to follow. ₁₀While we were with you, we used to say to you, “Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.”

₁₁We say this because we hear that there are some people among you who live lazy lives and who do nothing except meddle in other people's business. ₁₂In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we command these people and warn them to lead orderly lives and work to earn their own living.

₁₃But you, brothers and sisters, must not get tired of doing good.