Never to Do Anything Out of Revenge (Revisited with Greater Strictness)
By Rooted Africa (
Resolution 21
Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to do anything that, if he saw someone else do, he would despise or think less of them for it. This is a deeper, more searching application of the no-revenge principle: avoid every action that would lower his own moral estimation of another person if the roles were reversed.
This resolution builds on earlier ones by turning the mirror inward. Edwards wanted a life of such integrity that he could not condemn in others what he tolerated in himself. It is a call to consistency, humility, and self-examination—refusing any double standard.Why This Matters TodayWe often hold others to standards we quietly exempt ourselves from. We judge someone’s anger, laziness, dishonesty, or pride—yet excuse the same in our own heart when convenient. Edwards exposes this hypocrisy. True flourishing cannot coexist with self-deception or moral inconsistency. If we would despise it in another, we must reject it in ourselves.Matthew 7:3–5 warns:
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?... First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”Applying Resolution 21 Practically
This is Day 21 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards' 70 Resolutions.References for Further Reading
@kateyakli
)Jonathan Edwards had already resolved never to act from revenge (Resolution 14) and never to allow even the slightest anger toward irrational things (Resolution 15). Now he revisited revenge with sharper focus and stricter commitment.Resolution 21
Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to do anything that, if he saw someone else do, he would despise or think less of them for it. This is a deeper, more searching application of the no-revenge principle: avoid every action that would lower his own moral estimation of another person if the roles were reversed.
This resolution builds on earlier ones by turning the mirror inward. Edwards wanted a life of such integrity that he could not condemn in others what he tolerated in himself. It is a call to consistency, humility, and self-examination—refusing any double standard.Why This Matters TodayWe often hold others to standards we quietly exempt ourselves from. We judge someone’s anger, laziness, dishonesty, or pride—yet excuse the same in our own heart when convenient. Edwards exposes this hypocrisy. True flourishing cannot coexist with self-deception or moral inconsistency. If we would despise it in another, we must reject it in ourselves.Matthew 7:3–5 warns:
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?... First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”Applying Resolution 21 Practically
- Self-examination: When tempted to act in a way that would lower your view of someone else (e.g., gossip, cutting corners, losing temper), pause and ask: “Would I think less of a friend for doing this?”
- In conflict: Refuse to repay wrong with wrong—respond in a way you would respect if reversed.
- Daily guard: Use moments of irritation or temptation to confess: “Lord, keep me from actions I would despise in others.”
- Habit: When you catch yourself judging another, immediately check your own heart for the same fault.
- What action or attitude in my life would cause me to think less of someone else if I saw it in them?
- Where do I apply a double standard—demanding in others what I excuse in myself?
- How would living this resolution change my relationships at work, home, or church?
This is Day 21 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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