Never to Speak or Act Against the Glory of God
By Rooted Africa (
Resolution 28
Resolved, never to speak or act against the glory of God, or the good of my neighbour, or my own good, in any respect.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to do or say anything that would dishonour God, harm his neighbour, or damage his own soul. Every word and action must pass the test of glorifying God and doing good.
This resolution is a comprehensive guardrail. It covers not only obvious sins but also subtle ones — careless words, selfish motives, gossip, exaggeration, or silence when truth is needed. Edwards wanted his entire life to be positively aligned with God’s glory and the good of others.
Why This Matters Today
In our age of quick comments, social media hot takes, and private complaints, it is easy to speak or act in ways that dishonour God or hurt others without thinking. Many Christians separate “spiritual” talk from everyday conversation. Edwards reminds us there is no neutral zone — every word and deed either glorifies God or opposes Him.As Ephesians 4:29 says: “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 28 Practically
Before speaking or acting: Pause and ask, “Will this glorify God? Will it do good to my neighbour? Will it harm my own soul?”
In conversation: Replace gossip, criticism, or exaggeration with words that build up and give grace.
In decisions: Choose actions that honour God and serve others, even when inconvenient.
Habit: Make it a daily practice to review your words and actions with this triple test.This resolution trains us to live with consistent integrity — where speech and conduct are unified under God’s glory.
Reflection Questions
In what areas do my words or actions most often fall short of glorifying God or doing good to others?
How can I become more intentional about this triple test in daily life?
What would change if every conversation and decision had to pass the test of God’s glory?
Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to catch any speech or action that opposed God’s glory. Regular reflection keeps the heart aligned. Resolution 28 calls us to a life where nothing we say or do dishonours our King. Where do you most need to apply Resolution 28 this week — in speech, in actions, or in silence? Share in the comments or on X (@kateyakli).
We continue tomorrow with Resolution 29: Resolved, never to allow myself in any pleasure or delight that is not to the glory of God, or that tends to hinder my spiritual progress. (Edwards often reinforced similar themes with slight variations for emphasis.)This is Day 28 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-edwardsRooted in truth, growing in grace.
@kateyakli
)Jonathan Edwards had resolved never to allow any pleasure that did not glorify God (Resolution 27) and to cast away anything that caused doubt about his salvation (Resolution 26). Now he sharpened his commitment to protect God’s glory in speech and action.Resolution 28
Resolved, never to speak or act against the glory of God, or the good of my neighbour, or my own good, in any respect.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to do or say anything that would dishonour God, harm his neighbour, or damage his own soul. Every word and action must pass the test of glorifying God and doing good.
This resolution is a comprehensive guardrail. It covers not only obvious sins but also subtle ones — careless words, selfish motives, gossip, exaggeration, or silence when truth is needed. Edwards wanted his entire life to be positively aligned with God’s glory and the good of others.
Why This Matters Today
In our age of quick comments, social media hot takes, and private complaints, it is easy to speak or act in ways that dishonour God or hurt others without thinking. Many Christians separate “spiritual” talk from everyday conversation. Edwards reminds us there is no neutral zone — every word and deed either glorifies God or opposes Him.As Ephesians 4:29 says: “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 28 Practically
Before speaking or acting: Pause and ask, “Will this glorify God? Will it do good to my neighbour? Will it harm my own soul?”
In conversation: Replace gossip, criticism, or exaggeration with words that build up and give grace.
In decisions: Choose actions that honour God and serve others, even when inconvenient.
Habit: Make it a daily practice to review your words and actions with this triple test.This resolution trains us to live with consistent integrity — where speech and conduct are unified under God’s glory.
Reflection Questions
In what areas do my words or actions most often fall short of glorifying God or doing good to others?
How can I become more intentional about this triple test in daily life?
What would change if every conversation and decision had to pass the test of God’s glory?
Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to catch any speech or action that opposed God’s glory. Regular reflection keeps the heart aligned. Resolution 28 calls us to a life where nothing we say or do dishonours our King. Where do you most need to apply Resolution 28 this week — in speech, in actions, or in silence? Share in the comments or on X (@kateyakli).
We continue tomorrow with Resolution 29: Resolved, never to allow myself in any pleasure or delight that is not to the glory of God, or that tends to hinder my spiritual progress. (Edwards often reinforced similar themes with slight variations for emphasis.)This is Day 28 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-edwardsRooted in truth, growing in grace.
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