In 2 Thessalonians 3:6, Paul commands avoidance of the idle — this verse provides the rule that grounds that command.

Genesis 3:19 ties eating to labor by sweat — the same necessity of work for food that underlies Paul's command.

Proverbs 13:4 contrasts the sluggard's craving with the diligent's supply — directly reinforces Paul's principle.

Proverbs 20:4 describes the sluggard who won't plow and has nothing at harvest — same logic as 'if not work, not eat'.

Proverbs 21:25 says the sluggard's desire kills him because his hands refuse labor — echoes consequence of refusing work.

Proverbs 24:30-34 depicts the sluggard's neglected field leading to poverty — vivid illustration of Paul's principle.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 instructs believers to work with their hands — the same earlier command Paul now reaffirms.

In Proverbs 14:23, hard work brings profit while mere talk leads to poverty — directly supports Paul's principle that work is necessary.

In Proverbs 19:15, laziness brings deep sleep and the shiftless go hungry — directly echoes Paul's rule that idleness leads to hunger.

In Proverbs 20:13, avoiding sleep leads to food to spare, while loving sleep brings poverty — reinforces Paul's call to work to eat.

In Proverbs 31:13, the virtuous woman works with eager hands — illustrates a positive example of diligent work, aligning with Paul's ethic.