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Really can't see at all where Paul is addressing gossiping about the second coming whatsoever in this passage.Well, nobody is arguing against the fact that slothfulness is not good, and hard work is good. I see nothing especially compelling about this sentiment in the bible. Just because this is a good general rule of thumb does not preclude Paul from instructing christians to do their work, and not gossip about the second coming, considering Jesus said nobody, not even him, knows when this will happen. This is contradicted by him telling his disciples that it will happen within the lifetimes of some of them, but then again, Paul disagrees with a lot of things Jesus said when, as Paul puts it, "in the flesh".
On reading the text again, I agree with you on Paul's sentiment and goal in that passage. However, that proverb is odd.
Here it is in the NIV version .
6In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching6 Or tradition you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
11We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
14Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.