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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Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: Resolution #23

Never to Speak of the Faults of Others

By Rooted Africa (

@kateyakli

)Jonathan Edwards had resolved never to speak evil of absent persons unless for real good (Resolution 22) and never to act in ways he would despise in others (Resolution 21). Now he sharpened the standard even further: avoid all casual or unnecessary mention of others' faults.
Resolution 23
Resolved, never to speak of the faults of others, so as to hurt them, or to speak of their faults in a way that tends to their dishonor, unless it be for some real good.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to mention anyone’s faults in a way that damages their reputation or hurts them—unless there is a genuine, godly reason (e.g., biblical confrontation, protection of others, or church discipline). This resolution is stricter than 22. It eliminates almost all casual fault-talk—gossip, venting, casual criticism—even if the person is present or the comment seems minor. Edwards wanted speech that always builds up, never tears down unless love demands it.Why This Matters TodayFault-talk is so normalized we barely notice it. We “share concerns,” “vent frustrations,” “process feelings”—but often it’s just dishonoring speech disguised as honesty. It erodes trust, fuels division, and dishonors God. Edwards challenges us: Is my speech always loving, truthful, and necessary? Does it protect or wound?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 23 Practically

• Before mentioning a fault: Ask: “Is this for real good (protection, correction, church welfare), or just venting/sharing?” If not, stay silent.
• In conversation: Redirect gossip: “Let’s pray for them instead,” or “I’d rather talk to them directly.”
• When hurt: Bring faults to God first in prayer, then to the person lovingly if needed (Matthew 18:15).
• Habit: When tempted to fault-talk, pause and pray: “Lord, let my words give grace.”

Reflection Questions

• How often do I mention others’ faults casually? What motivates it?
• What would change in my relationships if I only spoke of faults for real good?
• How can silence or grace-filled speech build up rather than tear down?

Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to guard his tongue. Regular reflection keeps speech aligned with love.Resolution 23 calls us to a radically grace-filled tongue—speaking of faults only when love truly requires it. How might this resolution transform your words today? Share in the comments or on X (@kateyakli).
We continue tomorrow with Resolution 24.This is Day 23 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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