Disobedient Brothers

1Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of the Lord will [†]spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; 2and that we will be rescued from [†]perverse and evil men, for not all have [†]faith. 3But the Lord is faithful, who will strengthen and guard you [†]from the evil one. 4And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. 5And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.

6Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you [†]keep away from every brother who walks in an [†]unruly manner and not according to the tradition which [†]they received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we did not act in an unruly manner among you, 8nor did we eat [†]anyone’s bread [†]without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 9not because we do not have the authority, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would imitate us. 10For even when we were with you, we used to command this to you: if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat. 11For we hear that some among you are walking in an unruly manner, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that working with quietness, they eat their own bread. 13But as for you, brothers, do not lose heart in doing good.

14And if anyone does not obey our word [†]in this letter, take special note of that person to not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15And yet do not regard him as an enemy, but [†]admonish him as a brother.

16Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually give you peace in every [†]circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

17The greeting is in my own hand—[†]Paul, which is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.