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Speaking Evil Only When Necessary
By Rooted Africa (
Jonathan Edwards had resolved never to allow anger even toward irrational things (Resolution 15) and never to act from revenge (Resolution 14). Now he addressed the tongue—one of the most powerful and dangerous members of the body.
Resolution #16
Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to speak evil (gossip, slander, or derogatory remarks) about anyone unless there was a clear, specific, godly reason that justified it (e.g., protecting someone from harm, confronting sin biblically, or warning others in love).This resolution echoes James 3:5–6:
“The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!”
Edwards wanted speech to build up, not tear down—controlled by love and truth.Why This Matters TodayWords are easy to release but impossible to recall. In workplaces, churches, families, and online, casual criticism, venting, or gossip can wound deeply and dishonor God. Edwards challenges us: Is my speech always necessary, kind, and true? Speaking evil without a good call reveals a heart still seeking self-justification rather than God's glory.Ephesians 4:29:
“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 16 Practically
@kateyakli
)Jonathan Edwards had resolved never to allow anger even toward irrational things (Resolution 15) and never to act from revenge (Resolution 14). Now he addressed the tongue—one of the most powerful and dangerous members of the body.
Resolution #16
Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to speak evil (gossip, slander, or derogatory remarks) about anyone unless there was a clear, specific, godly reason that justified it (e.g., protecting someone from harm, confronting sin biblically, or warning others in love).This resolution echoes James 3:5–6:
“The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!”
Edwards wanted speech to build up, not tear down—controlled by love and truth.Why This Matters TodayWords are easy to release but impossible to recall. In workplaces, churches, families, and online, casual criticism, venting, or gossip can wound deeply and dishonor God. Edwards challenges us: Is my speech always necessary, kind, and true? Speaking evil without a good call reveals a heart still seeking self-justification rather than God's glory.Ephesians 4:29:
“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 16 Practically
- Before speaking: Ask: “Is there a clear, godly reason for saying this?” If not, stay silent.
- In frustration: Replace criticism with prayer or constructive feedback when required.
- In community: Speak evil only when biblically mandated (e.g., church discipline, warning against false teaching)—and then do so with sorrow and love.
- Habit: When tempted to gossip, redirect to blessing or intercession for the person.
- When have I spoken evil without a good call lately? What motivated it?
- How might silence or gracious speech change my relationships?
- What would it look like to speak only what gives grace to the hearer?
- 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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