Chapter 13

1Beware, then, of deeds such as these. Take no part in the gatherings of the Gentiles, and keep far from the schemes of Satan, for the devil has no love for God. Whoever associates with a singer in order to do the will of the enemy will be reckoned with the devil and will inherit a curse.

2Keep far from evil deeds in which there is nothing good, such as play-acting, the worship of idols, and consulting seers, diviners, augurs, and necromancers. As it is written, “Let there be no wickedness in Jacob, nor evil in Israel.” Depart, then, from works such as these, which idolaters perform to lead people astray; they are the works of Satan.

3The faithful ought to separate themselves from the congregation of the ungodly and not join them in keeping a feast. In the same way, let us keep far from them and not enter their houses or eat or drink with them, for they are full of the deeds of Satan. Let us turn away from the worship of idols and from error, from their salutations, and from vows made to their gods.

4You also, young men, diligently perform every fitting duty for the Holy Church, and support yourselves in purity by the fruit of your labor, so that you may need nothing and may not be a burden on the Church of God, and so that we may be free from care. But the [text damaged] of a sluggard are without remedy. Whoever will not work, let him not eat, and do not let him sit idly among you.

5Fear him, then, at all times, and keep far from idleness, for the Lord our God hates all who are idle. Do not let an idle person sit with those who are obedient to God the Father, to whom be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.