Pray for Us

31 Finally , brethren , pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified , just as it did also with you; 2 and that we will be rescued from perverse 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 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command . 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ .

The Obligation to Work

6 Now we command you, brethren , in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ , that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to 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 manner among you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's e 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 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 such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread . 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 will be put to shame . 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy , but admonish him as a brother .

Benediction

16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually e 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 .