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About this quote

What does it mean?
Edwards resolves to avoid speaking ill of others unless it is necessary to protect them from real harm.
In plain terms
Do not criticize others unless it helps them.
What can you take from it?
Reserve criticism for constructive purposes only.

Where it applies

  • conflict
  • leadership
  • friendship

Putting it to work

  • pause before criticizing
  • focus on solutions

Questions to consider

  • When is criticism helpful?
  • How do you handle gossip?

Another view

Defining real good can be subjective and lead to misuse.

More from Jonathan Edwards

  1. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

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  2. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God wil…

    Permalink to quote #23
  3. Resolved, never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.

    Permalink to quote #20

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