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Never to Speak of the Faults of Others
By Rooted Africa (
Resolution 23
Resolved, never to speak of the faults of others, so as to hurt them, or to speak of their faults in a way that tends to their dishonor, unless it be for some real good.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to mention anyone’s faults in a way that damages their reputation or hurts them—unless there is a genuine, godly reason (e.g., biblical confrontation, protection of others, or church discipline). This resolution is stricter than 22. It eliminates almost all casual fault-talk—gossip, venting, casual criticism—even if the person is present or the comment seems minor. Edwards wanted speech that always builds up, never tears down unless love demands it.Why This Matters TodayFault-talk is so normalized we barely notice it. We “share concerns,” “vent frustrations,” “process feelings”—but often it’s just dishonoring speech disguised as honesty. It erodes trust, fuels division, and dishonors God. Edwards challenges us: Is my speech always loving, truthful, and necessary? Does it protect or wound?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 23 Practically
We continue tomorrow with Resolution 24.This is Day 23 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards' 70 Resolutions.References for Further Reading
@kateyakli
)Jonathan Edwards had resolved never to speak evil of absent persons unless for real good (Resolution 22) and never to act in ways he would despise in others (Resolution 21). Now he sharpened the standard even further: avoid all casual or unnecessary mention of others' faults.Resolution 23
Resolved, never to speak of the faults of others, so as to hurt them, or to speak of their faults in a way that tends to their dishonor, unless it be for some real good.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to mention anyone’s faults in a way that damages their reputation or hurts them—unless there is a genuine, godly reason (e.g., biblical confrontation, protection of others, or church discipline). This resolution is stricter than 22. It eliminates almost all casual fault-talk—gossip, venting, casual criticism—even if the person is present or the comment seems minor. Edwards wanted speech that always builds up, never tears down unless love demands it.Why This Matters TodayFault-talk is so normalized we barely notice it. We “share concerns,” “vent frustrations,” “process feelings”—but often it’s just dishonoring speech disguised as honesty. It erodes trust, fuels division, and dishonors God. Edwards challenges us: Is my speech always loving, truthful, and necessary? Does it protect or wound?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 23 Practically
- Before mentioning a fault: Ask: “Is this for real good (protection, correction, church welfare), or just venting/sharing?” If not, stay silent.
- In conversation: Redirect gossip: “Let’s pray for them instead,” or “I’d rather talk to them directly.”
- When hurt: Bring faults to God first in prayer, then to the person lovingly if needed (Matthew 18:15).
- Habit: When tempted to fault-talk, pause and pray: “Lord, let my words give grace.”
- How often do I mention others’ faults casually? What motivates it?
- What would change in my relationships if I only spoke of faults for real good?
- How can silence or grace-filled speech build up rather than tear down?
We continue tomorrow with Resolution 24.This is Day 23 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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