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3 John 1:11
ESV Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
NIV Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
NASB Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does what is good is of God; the one who does what is evil has not seen God.
CSB Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
NLT Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.
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.
NKJV Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

What does 3 John 1:11 mean?

In verse 11, John summarizes the proper response to dealing with evil, such as the works of Diotrephes (3 John 1:9–10). First, he warns not to imitate evil, but good. These words resemble Paul's from Romans 12:21. Evil exists, but it's not something believers should join, or mimic. Instead, believers are to imitate what is good, and overcome evil that way. This includes avoiding things like violence, revenge, or hate. Instead, we are to use forgiveness, love, and truth. Second, doing good deeds is evidence of a person's Christian faith. While only God sees the heart, and knows who is truly saved, those who do good show evidence of salvation. Those who do evil things are giving evidence that they are lost.
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