Humility in Judging Others
By Rooted Africa (
Resolution 8
Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
In simple terms, Edwards resolved to treat everyone as though he himself were the worst sinner—speaking and acting with humility, never using others’ faults to feel superior. Instead, seeing someone else’s failing should only deepen his own shame before God and drive him to confess his sins.This resolution flows from the earlier ones: if God’s glory is supreme and time is short, pride has no place. Edwards wanted a life free from self-righteousness, where awareness of others’ weaknesses became a mirror for his own need of grace.Why This Matters TodayWe live in a world quick to judge—social media amplifies faults, workplaces breed comparison, and even churches can harbor subtle superiority. Edwards challenges us: When I see someone fail, gossip, or sin, does it make me thankful I’m “not like that,” or does it humble me and remind me of my own desperate need for Christ?This is gospel logic: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15). True humility doesn’t ignore sin—it sees it first in the mirror.Applying Resolution 8 Practically
@kateyakli
)Jonathan Edwards had already resolved to live with eternal urgency (Resolution 7) and to pour full vigour into every moment (Resolution 6). Now he turned inward to the heart’s attitude toward others, recognising that pride and harsh judgment poison both personal holiness and community.
Resolution 8
Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
In simple terms, Edwards resolved to treat everyone as though he himself were the worst sinner—speaking and acting with humility, never using others’ faults to feel superior. Instead, seeing someone else’s failing should only deepen his own shame before God and drive him to confess his sins.This resolution flows from the earlier ones: if God’s glory is supreme and time is short, pride has no place. Edwards wanted a life free from self-righteousness, where awareness of others’ weaknesses became a mirror for his own need of grace.Why This Matters TodayWe live in a world quick to judge—social media amplifies faults, workplaces breed comparison, and even churches can harbor subtle superiority. Edwards challenges us: When I see someone fail, gossip, or sin, does it make me thankful I’m “not like that,” or does it humble me and remind me of my own desperate need for Christ?This is gospel logic: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15). True humility doesn’t ignore sin—it sees it first in the mirror.Applying Resolution 8 Practically
- In conversation: Speak of others’ failings (when necessary) only with sorrow and self-examination, not condemnation.
- When tempted to compare: Pause and pray: “Lord, if I had their temptations, would I have done better?”
- In leadership or family: Use others’ mistakes as opportunities for your own repentance, not as proof of your superiority.
- Daily habit: When you notice someone’s fault, immediately confess one of your own sins to God.
- Who have I judged harshly lately, and what does that reveal about my heart?
- When I see failure in others, does it drive me to humility or pride?
- How can this resolution change the way I speak in my workplace, family, or church?
@kateyakli
).We continue tomorrow with Resolution 9.This is Day 8 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards' 70 Resolutions.References for Further Reading- Full text of Edwards' Resolutions: https://www.jonathan-edwards.org/Resolutions.html
- "The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards" (Desiring God): https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards
- Ligonier Ministries overview: https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/resolutions-jonathan-edwards
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