Our text begins here, and the thought ends in verse. It is an admonition against walking in a disorderly fashion. The word disorderly means, “irregularly (morally), : — disorderly (Strong). It seems in the context that such a disorderly walk came about through idleness. As Proverbs 18:9 says, “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.”
Paul offers himself up as an example to follow, an example of one who was industrious! He did not impose upon the generosity of others. Instead, he worked. His purpose in working was to assure his ability to independently preach the gospel, without fearing resentment and false claims of manipulation.
Finally, this in no way indicated that Paul did not have a right to be supported. His right is clearly stated by him in 1 Corinthians 9. However, “to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us” (9), he supported himself as a tentmaker (Acts 18:1-4).
Paul was industrious, we should be the same! After all, Idleness is the Devil’s workshop!
