1 Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it did also with you,

2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not all have faith.

3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do the things which we command.

5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.

6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who is living in idleness and not according to the tradition which you received from us.

7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,

8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.

10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: »If anyone will not work, he shall not eat.«

11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, not doing any work at all, but acting like busybodies.

12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and earn their own bread to eat.

13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.

15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.