Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: #Resolution 25

Never to Speak or Act in Anger

By Rooted Africa (

@kateyakli

)Jonathan Edwards had resolved to repent immediately whenever fear of man drove him (Resolution 24) and to avoid speaking of faults unless for real good (Resolution 23). Now he confronted one of the most destructive emotions: anger.
Resolution 25
Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to speak or act in anger, and to resolve to cast it out, whatever it be, though never so dear.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved to rigorously examine and constantly watch for whatever root in his heart causes even the slightest anger in word or deed—and to resolve to remove it completely, no matter how cherished or painful the process. This resolution goes beyond controlling anger (Res. 15) to eradicating its source. Edwards wanted a heart so purified that anger could find no foothold.Why This Matters TodayAnger is rarely absent. It flares in traffic, at work, in family, online, or even silently in our thoughts. Edwards shows us it’s not just the outburst—it’s the root (pride, impatience, control, entitlement) that must be uprooted. Unaddressed anger poisons relationships, hinders prayer, and dishonors God (James 1:20: “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God”).Applying Resolution 25 Practically

• Self-examination: When anger rises, stop and ask: “What in my heart caused this? Pride? Unmet expectations? Fear of losing control?”
• Daily watchfulness: Review moments of irritation—trace them to their root and repent.
• Radical removal: Whatever the root (e.g., desire for approval, self-righteousness), bring it to God in prayer and seek to mortify it.
• Habit: Use Edwards’ weekly review: “What caused anger this week? How can I cast it out?”

Reflection Questions

• What root in my heart most often produces anger?
• Am I willing to remove it, even if it’s “dear” to me?
• How would a heart free from anger change my relationships and witness?

Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to expose hidden roots. Regular reflection purifies the heart.Resolution 25 calls us to ruthless self-examination: identify the root of anger and cast it out for God’s glory.What root of anger does this resolution reveal in you? Share in the comments or on X (

@kateyakli

).We continue tomorrow with Resolution 26.This is Day 25 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 #24

Never to Do Anything Out of Fear of Man

By Rooted Africa (

@kateyakli

)Jonathan Edwards had resolved never to speak of others’ faults unless for real good (Resolution 23) and never to act in ways he would despise in others (Resolution 21). Now he addressed one of the most common motives for sin: fear of man.
Resolution #24
Resolved, whenever I do or omit anything through fear of man, to repent of it as a sin.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved that whenever he acted (or failed to act) because he feared what people would think, say, or do, he would immediately recognize it as sin and repent.This resolution targets people-pleasing, fear of rejection, and desire for approval—motives that often lead to compromise, silence on truth, or conformity to the world. Edwards wanted a life free from the fear of man, rooted in the fear of God.Why This Matters TodayFear of man is epidemic. We stay silent on truth to avoid conflict, chase approval through performance, or compromise convictions for acceptance. It enslaves us. Edwards reminds us: the fear of man is sin because it displaces the fear of God (Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe”).Galatians 1:10 asks: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”Applying Resolution 24 Practically

• When fear arises: Pause and ask: “Am I acting (or not acting) because I fear man’s opinion?” If yes, repent immediately.
• In decisions: Choose obedience to God over approval from people (e.g., speak truth kindly, decline compromise, stand firm in conviction).
• In relationships: Seek God’s approval above popularity or acceptance.
• Habit: When you catch fear of man, confess: “Lord, forgive me for fearing man more than You. Help me trust You alone.”

Reflection Questions

• Where have I recently acted (or failed to act) out of fear of man?
• What would change if I feared God more than people’s opinions?
• How does trusting God’s approval free me from people-pleasing?

Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to catch fear of man early. Regular reflection keeps motives pure. Resolution 24 calls us to freedom: repent quickly when fear of man rules, and live for God’s approval alone.Where does fear of man show up in your life? Share in the comments or on X (@kateyakli). We continue tomorrow with Resolution 25.This is Day 24 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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