Never to Speak Evil of Absent Persons
By Rooted Africa (
Jonathan Edwards had resolved never to act in ways he would despise in others (Resolution 21) and to speak evil only when necessary (Resolution 16). Now he narrowed the focus to one of the most common and destructive forms of speech: evil talk about people who are not present.
Resolution 22
Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, except it be for some real good, or for the good of the person himself, or for the good of the church or society in general, or for the good of religion, or for the good of the public.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to speak ill of anyone in their absence in a way that would harm their reputation—unless it served a genuine higher good (e.g., protecting others, confronting sin biblically, or preserving the church/public good).This resolution is stricter than Resolution 16. It allows evil speech only when it meets one of these narrow, godly criteria—and even then, only with sorrow and love. Edwards wanted speech that builds up the body of Christ, not tears it down.Why This Matters TodayAbsentee criticism—gossip, venting, backbiting—is epidemic. We say things in private we would never say face-to-face. It feels harmless, but it wounds reputations, sows division, and dishonors God. Edwards challenges us: Is my speech always truthful, necessary, and kind? Does it protect or destroy?Ephesians 4:29 commands:
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”Applying Resolution 22 Practically
This is Day 22 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards' 70 Resolutions.References for Further Reading
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)Jonathan Edwards had resolved never to act in ways he would despise in others (Resolution 21) and to speak evil only when necessary (Resolution 16). Now he narrowed the focus to one of the most common and destructive forms of speech: evil talk about people who are not present.
Resolution 22
Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, except it be for some real good, or for the good of the person himself, or for the good of the church or society in general, or for the good of religion, or for the good of the public.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to speak ill of anyone in their absence in a way that would harm their reputation—unless it served a genuine higher good (e.g., protecting others, confronting sin biblically, or preserving the church/public good).This resolution is stricter than Resolution 16. It allows evil speech only when it meets one of these narrow, godly criteria—and even then, only with sorrow and love. Edwards wanted speech that builds up the body of Christ, not tears it down.Why This Matters TodayAbsentee criticism—gossip, venting, backbiting—is epidemic. We say things in private we would never say face-to-face. It feels harmless, but it wounds reputations, sows division, and dishonors God. Edwards challenges us: Is my speech always truthful, necessary, and kind? Does it protect or destroy?Ephesians 4:29 commands:
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”Applying Resolution 22 Practically
- Before speaking: Ask: “Would this tend to dishonor them? Is there a real, godly reason (protection, correction, church good)?” If not, stop.
- In venting: Replace criticism with prayer or direct, loving confrontation when required.
- In groups: Refuse to join or continue conversations that tear others down. Redirect to prayer or grace.
- Habit: When tempted to speak evil of an absent person, immediately pray for them instead.
- When have I spoken evil of someone in their absence lately? What motivated it?
- How would my speech change if I only allowed it when it served genuine good?
- What would it look like to speak in ways that always give grace?
This is Day 22 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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