[1] Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it was also with you; [2] and that we will be rescued from troublesome and evil people; for not all have the faith. [3] But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. [4] We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing, and will do, what we command. [5] May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the perseverance of Christ. [6] Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother or sister who leads a disorderly life and not one in accordance with the tradition which you received from us. [7] For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined way among you, [8] nor 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; [9] not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a role model for you, so that you would follow our example. [10] For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. [11] For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. [12] Now we command and exhort such persons in the Lord Jesus Christ to work peacefully and eat their own bread. [13] But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary of doing good. [14] If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person so as not to associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. [15] And yet do not regard that person as an enemy, but admonish that one as a brother or sister. [16] Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! [17] I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and 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.
