For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat."
Here it seems to be a violation of New Testament principles to feed a man who refuses to work. Many of us may have done that with the thought of helping them, but Paul says, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." This teaching goes against our humanitarian grain and the normal Christian principles, but these verses are just as much a command as any other verses within the word of God. David says, "I have been young, and now am old yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (Psalms 37:25).