3 Jn 1:2
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.(KJV)
Here John is wishing Gaivs that he may have a good and save journey through his life and be in good health. Many of the "Wealth Gospel" group erroneously teach that it is God's will for his children to always prosper with earthly possessions and to always be healthy.
Taking a closer look we first find that the word "above" (Greek, peri, S# 4012) is best rendered "concerning or about". The word "wish" (Greek, euchomai, S# 2172) could also be rendered pray, which is only an expression, similarly to "I wish you a happy birthday" or "best wishes" nothing more. Wishing the reader good health in a letter was a common practice in ancient times.
The word "prosper" (Greek, euodoo, S# 2137) simply means to have a good and safe journey throughout one's life.
Everyone should know that God will provide for His children's material needs. The concept of being rich and increased with goods, and not having need of nothing does not apply here.
The next word "be in health" (Greek, hugiaino, S# 5198) simply expresses a wish, it's no guarantee to be healthy.
We can see clearly from the text that it is simply a common greeting mentioned here, not that it is necessarily God's will that we always prosper and be healthy. What more can I say than "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
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