Godspeed

I had always heard that we should never wish someone "Godspeed." I never fully understood why, and I never questioned it. Now, I wonder. Why not?

2 John 1:9-11, KJV - Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

2 John 1:9-11, NIV - Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.

Interesting. I always thought God speed was used like wishing someone well in an endeavor.

Curiosity about that, led me to the amplified version.

2 John 1:9-11, AMP - Anyone who runs on ahead [of God] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ [who is not content with what He taught] does not have God; but he who continues to live in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ [does have God], he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [is disloyal to what Jesus Christ taught], do not receive him  [do not accept him, do not welcome or admit him] into [your] house or bid him Godspeed or give him any encouragement. For he who wishes him success [who wishes encourages him, wishing him Godspeed] is a partaker in his evil doings.

Hmm. Here it is talking about using Godspeed for wishing success, but the other two just mentioned it almost like a greeting. I wonder if I can find anything about that...

I looked around several resources and versions, and finally found a version of my Bible app that makes sense with the greeting - the Complete Jewish Bible.

2 John 1:9-11, CJB - Everyone who goes ahead and does not remain true to what the Messiah has taught does not have God. Those who remain true to his teaching have both the Father and the Son. If someone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, don't welcome him into your home. Don't even say, "Shalom!" to him; for the person who says, "Shalom!" to him shares in his evil deeds.

That makes more sense. If someone comes to us who does not follow the teachings of Christ, we aren't supposed to say God speed, or "Shalom" to them, because it speaks the power and peace of God over their lives. If we do that, we become guilty of aiding, or encouraging any wicked deeds they may do because they do not follow God.
______________________________________________________
Shalom: "peace (used as a word of greeting or farewell" (Dictionary).