Godliness is more easily feigned in words than in actions
Jonathan EdwardsRead
There are two sorts of hypocrites: ones that are deceived with their outward morality and external religion; and the others are those that are deceived with false discoveries and elevation; which often cry down works, and men's own righteousness, and tlak much of free grace, but at the same time make a righteousness of their discoveries and of their humiliation, and exalt themselves to heaven with them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote discusses two types of hypocrites: those who falsely believe in their moral superiority and those who mask their pride in humility and grace.
Jonathan Edwards explores the concept of hypocrisy in moral and religious contexts, distinguishing between individuals who are superficially pious and those who possess a false sense of enlightenment. Both types exhibit self-deception regarding their righteousness—one clings to outward appearances while the other mistakenly equates their spiritual experiences with moral superiority, illustrating the complexities and dangers of pride in any form.
Themes
HypocrisySelf-DeceptionRighteousnessMoralityReligion
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture about personal integrity, this quote can highlight the danger of self-righteousness.
More from Jonathan Edwards
All quotes →Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
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So that it must be only by the imagination that Satan has access to the soul, to tempt and delude it, or suggest anything to it. And this seems to be the reason why persons that are under the disease of melancholy are commonly so visibly and remarkably subject to the suggestions and temptations of Satan... Innumerable are the ways by which the mind may be led on to all kind of evil thoughts, by the exciting of external ideas in the imagination.
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The deceitfulness of the heart of man appears in no one thing so much as this of spiritual pride and self-righteousness. The subtlety of Satan appears in its height, in his managing persons with respect to this sin. And perhaps one reason may be that here he has most experience; he knows the way of its coming in; he is acquainted with the secret springs of it: it was his own sin. Experience gives vast advantage in leading souls, either in good or evil.
Jonathan EdwardsRead
Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.
Jonathan EdwardsRead
True virtue never appears so lovely as when it is most oppressed; and the divine excellency of real Christianity is never exhibited with such advantage as when under the greatest trials; then it is that true faith appears much more precious than gold, and upon this account is "found to praise and honour and glory.
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