2 Thessalonians 3:6–12 (ESV)
Warning Against Idleness
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,
8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord
Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
Many people quote a passage and claim it is from the Bible: “The Lord helps those who help themselves.” Well, that is
not Biblical, but it probably comes from this passage: “If any is not willing to work, let him not eat.” These two statements are not the same. In fact, we are to count on God’s grace and mercy for our very salvation. But
the message is clear that if you are not willing to work, you shouldn’t eat. Paul is speaking against idleness.
I pray: O Lord, help me to not be idle, but to be serving you out of love.
Use me to help others and to be your servant. Forgive me when I fail. Amen.