Evil not to be Imitated
W. Jones, D. D. 3 John 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: but he that does evil has not seen God.… Evil is soon imitated, especially in great persons; they are a countenance to it; their actions seem to be laws. Such a great man swears profanely. Why may not I swear too? No; follow not that which is evil in any — no, not in good men. 1. Evil is agreeable to our nature; it is soon followed; a little persuading will serve the turn; therefore we had need to beware of it. 2. There be many instigators to that which is evil, the devil and his instruments to thrust us forward. 3. Evil is common, a weed that grows everywhere; goodness is a flower that grows in few gardens (Matthew 7:13, 14). 4. Evil, since the fall, is of greatest antiquity. There was a Cain before an Abel; therefore we had need to watch over ourselves, else we shall follow evil ere we be aware. 5. Whither doth evil lead us? Even to hell, follow her not; let her go alone for all us; yet she hath too many followers, even in the light of the gospel. (W. Jones, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. WEB: Beloved, don't imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn't seen God.