Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: Resolution #12

Rejecting Pride in Intellectual Pursuits
By Rooted Africa

Jonathan Edwards had resolved to pursue theological questions diligently (Resolution 11) and to meditate on death for perspective (Resolution 9). Now he added a guardrail: if delight in solving those questions stems from pride or vanity, reject it immediately.
Resolution 12
"Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by"
In simple terms: Whenever Edwards found pleasure in theological study or intellectual achievement coming from pride, vanity, or self-exaltation, he resolved to stop instantly and abandon that delight. This resolution protects the heart behind Resolution 11. Edwards knew the mind can become a source of arrogance—using knowledge to feel superior rather than to glorify God. He wanted the pursuit of truth to remain humble and doxological.Why This Matters TodayIntellectual pride is subtle but deadly. In Bible study, theology discussions, or career expertise, we can enjoy being “right” or admired more than we enjoy God Himself. Edwards warns: knowledge puffs up (1 Cor 8:1), but love builds up. True wisdom humbles us before God.Proverbs 11:2: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”Applying Resolution 12 Practically

• In study or debate: When you feel a rush of superiority or desire to win an argument, stop—pray for humility and redirect to worship.
• In teaching or sharing: Check motives: Am I displaying knowledge to impress, or to edify others for God's glory?
• Daily guard: Before diving into deep reading or discussion, pray: “Lord, let this be for Your honor, not my vanity.”

Reflection Questions

• Have I ever taken pride in theological insight or expertise? What did it reveal?
• How can I detect vanity in my pursuit of knowledge?
• What would change if I threw away prideful delight immediately?

Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to catch pride early. Regular self-examination keeps the mind humble.Resolution 12 reminds us: the mind is a gift to serve God, not self.What stirs in you here? Share in the comments or on X (

@kateyakli

).We continue tomorrow with Resolution 13.This is Day 12 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

Rooted in truth, growing in grace.

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Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: #Resolution 9

 Dying Well in View

By Rooted Africa (

@kateyakli

)Jonathan Edwards had already resolved to live with humility toward others (Resolution 8) and to act as if every moment could be the last (Resolution 7). Now he deepened that eternal awareness by deliberately meditating on death and its circumstances.

Resolution 9
Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved to frequently reflect on his own death and the typical realities that surround it—pain, separation, final judgment, the end of earthly opportunities—to keep his priorities aligned with eternity. This resolution builds directly on the previous ones: if time is short and every action must glorify God, then keeping death in view prevents complacency and sharpens focus on what truly matters.Why This Matters TodayWe avoid thinking about death. It feels morbid or distant. Yet Edwards saw it as a gift of clarity: death strips away illusions of control, permanence, and self-sufficiency. In a culture obsessed with youth, productivity, and endless distraction, regularly remembering our mortality reorients us toward eternal values—relationships, faithfulness, and God Himself.As Psalm 90:12 prays: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”Applying Resolution 9 Practically

• Daily reminder: When tempted to waste time or chase trivial things, pause and ask: “If this were my last week, would I spend it this way?”
• In trials: When facing pain or loss, remember that death’s circumstances are common to all—use it to deepen dependence on Christ.
• In decisions: Weigh choices by asking, “Will this matter when I stand before God?”
• Gratitude practice: Reflecting on death increases thankfulness for life’s gifts—family, breath, salvation.

Reflection Questions

• How often do I think about my own death? Does avoiding it dull my spiritual sensitivity?
• What current pursuit would look insignificant if I knew my time was short?
• How might meditating on death increase my love for God and others?

Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly, partly to keep death and eternity near. A brief moment of reflection each day or week can do the same for us.Resolution 9 is not grim—it is liberating. Keeping death in view frees us to live fully for what lasts. What thoughts does this resolution stir in you? Share in the comments or on X and Facebook @kateyakli(Rooted Africa).We continue tomorrow with Resolution 10.This is Day 9 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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