Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: Resolution #17

Living as I Will Wish I Had Lived

By Rooted Africa (

@kateyakli

)Jonathan Edwards had guarded his speech (Resolution 16) and mastered anger even toward the irrational (Resolution 15). Now he lifted his gaze to the end: living today in light of how he would wish to have lived at life's close.

Resolution 17
Resolved, to live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved to live every day in such a way that, when death comes, he would look back with no regret—having pursued what truly matters in light of eternity.This resolution ties together many earlier ones: eternal perspective (Res. 7 & 9), full vigor (Res. 6), and rejection of revenge/pride (Res. 14–15). It asks: If I knew this was my final day, how would I live? Then live that way now.Why This Matters TodayMost of us live with vague intentions of "later" change—later I'll forgive, later I'll prioritize family, later I'll serve God more fully. Edwards forces the question: Why wait? Death is certain, time is short. Living "as I shall wish I had done" brings urgency, clarity, and joy to the present.Hebrews 9:27: 
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”Applying Resolution 17 Practically

• Daily alignment: Start the day asking: “If this were my last day, how would I live it?”
• In relationships: Forgive quickly, love generously, speak words of life.
• In work and service: Do everything as unto the Lord, with excellence and heart.
• Habit: At day's end, review: “Did I live today as I will wish I had at death?”

Reflection Questions

• What will I wish I had done differently when I come to die? Am I doing it now?
• Which areas of life (relationships, faith, work) need urgent realignment?
• How does this resolution change my priorities today?

Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to live with no-regret urgency. Regular reflection keeps the end in view. Resolution 17 is a call to intentional, regret-free living—today as we will wish we had lived then.What one change would make you wish differently at death? Share in the comments or on X (@kateyakli). We continue tomorrow with Resolution 18.This is Day 17 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 #16

Speaking Evil Only When Necessary

By Rooted Africa (

@kateyakli

)
Jonathan Edwards had resolved never to allow anger even toward irrational things (Resolution 15) and never to act from revenge (Resolution 14). Now he addressed the tongue—one of the most powerful and dangerous members of the body.

Resolution #16
Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to speak evil (gossip, slander, or derogatory remarks) about anyone unless there was a clear, specific, godly reason that justified it (e.g., protecting someone from harm, confronting sin biblically, or warning others in love).This resolution echoes James 3:5–6: 
“The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” 
Edwards wanted speech to build up, not tear down—controlled by love and truth.Why This Matters TodayWords are easy to release but impossible to recall. In workplaces, churches, families, and online, casual criticism, venting, or gossip can wound deeply and dishonor God. Edwards challenges us: Is my speech always necessary, kind, and true? Speaking evil without a good call reveals a heart still seeking self-justification rather than God's glory.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 16 Practically

• Before speaking: Ask: “Is there a clear, godly reason for saying this?” If not, stay silent.
• In frustration: Replace criticism with prayer or constructive feedback when required.
• In community: Speak evil only when biblically mandated (e.g., church discipline, warning against false teaching)—and then do so with sorrow and love.
• Habit: When tempted to gossip, redirect to blessing or intercession for the person.

Reflection Questions

• When have I spoken evil without a good call lately? What motivated it?
• How might silence or gracious speech change my relationships?
• What would it look like to speak only what gives grace to the hearer?

Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to guard his tongue. Regular reflection keeps words aligned with grace. Resolution 16 calls us to a disciplined tongue—speaking evil only when truly necessary, and always for God's glory. How might this resolution affect your conversations this week? Share in the comments or on X (@kateyakli).We continue tomorrow with Resolution 17. This is Day 16 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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