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 #11

Pursuing Theological Understanding

By Rooted Africa Jonathan Edwards had resolved to use pain for spiritual gain (Resolution 10) and to keep death always in mind (Resolution 9). Now he addressed intellectual life: when a theological question arises, act on it immediately.

Resolution 11
Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder.

In simple terms: Whenever Edwards encountered a difficult or unresolved question in theology (“divinity”), he resolved to take immediate action to study, research, or reason toward an answer—as far as circumstances allowed.This resolution reflects his lifelong passion for truth. Edwards was a brilliant thinker who wrote extensively on doctrine, philosophy, and Scripture. He refused intellectual laziness, seeing the pursuit of understanding God’s truth as part of glorifying Him.Why This Matters TodayWe live in an age of shallow thinking—quick opinions, soundbites, and scrolling past hard questions. Edwards challenges us: When Scripture, doctrine, or life raises a real question about God, don’t shrug it off or settle for easy answers. Pursue clarity with diligence, because knowing God better fuels worship, obedience, and witness.As 2 Timothy 2:15 urges: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”Applying Resolution 11 Practically

• When a question arises: Don’t ignore it—note it down, then study: read Scripture, consult trusted commentaries, pray, discuss with others.
• In Bible study or preaching: If something is unclear, commit to digging deeper rather than moving on.
• In daily life: When theology intersects with decisions (e.g., ethics at work), seek understanding before acting.
• Habit: Keep a “Theological Questions” journal—review and tackle one each week.

Reflection Questions

• What theological or biblical question have I avoided or left unresolved lately?
• How might pursuing deeper understanding strengthen my faith or witness?
• Do I treat God’s truth as worth diligent effort, or do I settle for surface-level knowledge?

Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly partly to stay intellectually diligent. Regular check-ins keep the mind sharp for God’s glory.Resolution 11 reminds us: Loving God with the mind is part of loving Him fully. Don’t let hard questions go unanswered.What question is stirring in you right now? Share in the comments or on X (

@kateyakli

).We continue tomorrow with Resolution 12.This is Day 11 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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