100 Modern Rules of Civility
Inspired by George Washington, adapted by Chaz Evanson
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Restore Reform Protect, A Campaign for Virtue and Leadership in Public Life
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Foreword: When George Washington was just a teenager, he transcribed 110 maxims of civility and decent behavior lessons that would shape his character, guide his leadership, and set a moral compass for the founding of a nation.
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These rules, originally drawn from Jesuit instruction, shaped not just manners, but virtue. They were principles for the soul of a statesman, a citizen, and a servant of liberty. Today, we find ourselves in a cultural and political climate where such character is once again desperately needed. What follows is a modern rendering faithful to the spirit of Washingtons original work but crafted for this American moment.
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These 100 rules are offered not merely as etiquette, but as enduring virtues for a free people. They are rooted in biblical truth, framed by our Founders' wisdom, and aimed at the restoration of honor, discipline, and dignity in public and private life. Let us walk once more in the old paths (Jeremiah 6:16), that we may find rest for our souls and strength for our nation. Chaz Evanson
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I. Personal Character and Integrity
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1. Honor God first in all you do.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:5
2. Be honest, always. A single lie can undo a thousand truths.
“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.” – George Washington
3. Let your conscience be ruled by truth, not trends.
“We must not be content to be in the right, if we are not also in the true.” – Founders’ maxim
4. Walk in humility, no matter how high your position.
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6
5. Choose virtue over vanity, and wisdom over cleverness.
“Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.” – George Washington
6. Keep your word, even when it's inconvenient.
“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” – Matthew 5:37
7. Accept responsibility for your actions; blame no one else.
“It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.” – George Washington
8. Admit faults quickly and sincerely.
“Confess your trespasses to one another… that you may be healed.” – James 5:16
9. Practice self-control, emotion without restraint can do great harm.
“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty.” – Proverbs 16:32
10. Seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.
“What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8
II. Manners and Respect for Others
11. Treat all people with dignity, regardless of status or belief.
“All men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” – Declaration of Independence
12. Use words to heal, not harm.
“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul.” – Proverbs 16:24
13. Never raise your voice in anger; calm is strength.
“A soft answer turns away wrath.” – Proverbs 15:1
14. Do not boast about yourself or your deeds.
“Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth.” – Proverbs 27:2
15. Allow others to speak, listen before you answer.
“He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.” – Proverbs 18:13
16. Speak plainly, but with kindness.
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt.” – Colossians 4:6
17. Respect elders and those in authority.
“Render therefore to all their due… honor to whom honor.” – Romans 13:7
18. Avoid crude humor or profane speech.
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth.” – Ephesians 4:29
19. Never mock those who struggle or suffer.
“Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
20. Don’t interrupt others, it's better to be thoughtful than loud.
“He who guards his mouth preserves his life.” – Proverbs 13:3
III. Speech and Conversation
21. Speak the truth in love.
“Speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
22. Let your speech reflect your principles.
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” – Matthew 12:34
23. Avoid gossip, it poisons hearts and divides friends.
“A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.” – Proverbs 11:13
24. Keep confidences unless truth or justice require otherwise.
“He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets.” – Proverbs 20:19
25. Don't speak just to be heard, have something worthwhile to say.
“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking.” – Proverbs 10:19
26. Stay silent rather than contribute to foolish talk.
“Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace.” – Proverbs 17:28
27. Compliment sincerely; do not flatter.
“A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” – Proverbs 29:5
28. Correct others gently, and only when necessary.
“A wise man will hear and increase learning.” – Proverbs 1:5
29. Ask questions to learn, not to trap.
“The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge.” – Proverbs 18:15
30. Refrain from sarcasm, it often conceals cruelty.
“Let all bitterness… and evil speaking be put away from you.” – Ephesians 4:31
IV. Digital and Public Communication
31. Post with purpose; never publish in haste or rage.
“Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” – James 1:19
32. Use social media to build up, not to tear down.
“Let no corrupt word proceed… but what is good for edification.” – Ephesians 4:29
33. Do not engage in public quarrels online or in person.
“Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes.” – 2 Timothy 2:23
34. Resist the urge to ‘go viral’ at the expense of truth or virtue.
“Do not be wise in your own opinion.” – Romans 12:16
35. Remember: your digital words reflect your real character.
“By your words you will be justified… condemned.” – Matthew 12:37
36. Share only what is true, necessary, and kind.
“Whatever things are true… noble… just… meditate on these.” – Philippians 4:8
37. Think twice before replying to provocation.
“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.” – Proverbs 29:11
38. Do not hide behind anonymity to be unkind.
“Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.” – Matthew 7:12
39. Your platform is a privilege, use it for good.
“To whom much is given, from him much will be required.” – Luke 12:48
40. Every click, post, and comment matters, steward them well.
“Each of us shall give account of himself to God.” – Romans 14:12
V. Appearance and Conduct
41. Dress with modesty and purpose; not to impress, but to respect.
“That the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation.” – 1 Timothy 2:9
42. Present yourself with dignity, but never with vanity.
“Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth.” – Proverbs 27:2
43. Walk uprightly, your posture reflects your mindset.
“He who walks with integrity walks securely.” – Proverbs 10:9
44. Avoid excess in style, food, drink, or speech.
“Let your moderation be known to all men.” – Philippians 4:5
45. Show cleanliness and order in your appearance and space.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40
46. Do not indulge laziness, it dishonors your time and talent.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise.” – Proverbs 6:6
47. Be active and alert; sloth is a thief of purpose.
“The soul of a lazy man desires and has nothing.” – Proverbs 13:4
48. Work with your hands and your mind diligently.
“Work with your own hands… that you may walk properly toward those who are outside.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12
49. Choose moderation in habits; freedom comes through discipline.
“All things are lawful… but I will not be brought under the power of any.” – 1 Corinthians 6:12
50. Be content with simplicity, covetousness corrupts the soul.
“Be content with such things as you have. For He has said, ‘I will never leave you.’” – Hebrews 13:5
VI. Hospitality and Community Life
51. Welcome strangers and friends with equal kindness.
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” – Hebrews 13:2
52. Practice hospitality without expectation of return.
“When you give a feast, invite the poor… and you will be blessed.” – Luke 14:13–14
53. Be generous to the poor, the weak, and the forgotten.
“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord.” – Proverbs 19:17
54. Help others rise rather than climb over them.
“Look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
55. Share meals and conversation freely and joyfully.
“They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.” – Acts 2:46
56. Do not dominate gatherings, let all have voice.
“Let all things be done for edification.” – 1 Corinthians 14:26
57. Keep peace at the table and in the home.
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” – Matthew 5:9
58. Respect differences with charity, not contempt.
“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another.” – Galatians 5:26
59. Serve your guests before serving yourself.
“Let each esteem others better than himself.” – Philippians 2:3
60. Give thanks for all things, publicly and privately.
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
VII. Civic Duty and Leadership
61. Love your country but hold it accountable to truth.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” – Proverbs 14:34
62. Serve the public with humility, not pride.
“Whoever desires to become great… let him be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26
63. Seek office to serve, not to rule.
“If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” – Mark 9:35
64. Respect the Constitution and the rule of law.
“The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.” – George Washington
65. Be a voice for the voiceless, especially the unborn and the oppressed.
“Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die.” – Proverbs 31:8
66. Promote liberty with virtue, not license.
“Do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
67. Resist corruption, flattery, and favoritism.
“You shall not show partiality in judgment… you shall hear the small as well as the great.” – Deuteronomy 1:17
68. Do not weaponize power for personal gain.
“He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” – 2 Samuel 23:3
69. Uphold justice, even when it costs you.
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil… who justify the wicked for a bribe.” – Isaiah 5:20, 23
70. Encourage citizen participation, government is not a spectator sport.
“We the People are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts.” – Abraham Lincoln
VIII. Disagreement and Discourse
71. Debate ideas; do not attack people.
“Let all that you do be done with love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
72. Let your tone match your intention, firm but respectful.
“Let your gentleness be known to all men.” – Philippians 4:5
73. Stand for your beliefs with courage and grace.
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13
74. Leave room for conscience in others.
“Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.” – Romans 14:5
75. Seek peace without compromising truth.
“If it is possible… live peaceably with all men.” – Romans 12:18
76. Don’t mistake silence for agreement or volume for authority.
“He who has knowledge spares his words.” – Proverbs 17:27
77. Welcome correction and dissent with humility.
“Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.” – Proverbs 9:8
78. Do not return insult for insult, answer with restraint.
“Do not repay evil for evil… but on the contrary blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9
79. Speak last when possible, wisdom listens first.
“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.” – James 1:19
80. Never confuse disagreement with hatred.
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger… be put away from you.” – Ephesians 4:31
IX. Time, Stewardship, and Excellence
81. Be punctual, it shows respect for others.
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
82. Use your time as if it belongs to God, because it does.
“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
83. Redeem the day, idleness wastes opportunity.
“See then that you walk circumspectly… redeeming the time.” – Ephesians 5:15–16
84. Manage your money with purpose and generosity.
“Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first-fruits of all your increase.” – Proverbs 3:9
85. Avoid debt when you can; it is a form of bondage.
“The borrower is servant to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7
86. Do your work as unto the Lord, with excellence, not excuses.
“Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” – Colossians 3:23
87. Take responsibility, not credit.
“Let another man praise you… not your own mouth.” – Proverbs 27:2
88. Learn continually, wisdom grows with age and effort.
“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser.” – Proverbs 9:9
89. Steward your body and mind with discipline.
“Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit… glorify God in your body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
90. Rest regularly to restore your strength and spirit.
“Come aside by yourselves… and rest a while.” – Mark 6:31
X. Legacy and Eternity
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91. Live as if your children are watching, because they are.
“Train up a child in the way he should go.” – Proverbs 22:6
92. Let your reputation be built, not broadcast.
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” – Proverbs 22:1
93. Leave no room for secret sin, character is who you are in the dark.
“There is nothing hidden which will not be revealed.” – Mark 4:22
94. Set examples, not just expectations.
“Show yourself to be a pattern of good works.” – Titus 2:7
95. Store your treasures in heaven, not just in the bank.
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:20–21
96. Love your neighbor as yourself, even your enemy.
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:39
97. Die to self so others might live.
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” – John 15:13
98. Point others to God in word and deed.
“Let your light so shine… that they may see your good works and glorify your Father.” – Matthew 5:16
99. Live as a servant-leader in every sphere.
“Whoever desires to be great… let him be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26
100. When your days are done, let it be said you walked in truth, loved well, and finished the race faithfully.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
Conclusion: A Call to Walk Worthy
Civility is not weakness. Virtue is not naïve. Discipline is not oppression. These are the building blocks of liberty, not its enemies, but its guardians. The Founders understood that a free republic could not long endure without moral restraint, personal responsibility, and mutual respect. So did George Washington, who lived these truths before he ever led a nation.
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In our own generation, we must recover this wisdom. Not just for the sake of manners, but for the sake of our future. If we are to preserve freedom, we must once again train up a people fit to be free, citizens who know how to govern themselves before they ever presume to govern others.
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These 100 modern rules are not exhaustive, but they are a beginning. A blueprint for restoring a culture of honor in our homes, our communities, our government, and our hearts. In a time of noise and division, let them be a quiet revolution, a return to order, to humility, to truth.
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Let us be the generation that remembers what others have forgotten. Let us raise up children who are not entitled, but grateful. Leaders who are not proud, but principled. And neighbors who do not merely coexist, but love.
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This is how we Restore.
This is why we Reform.
This is what we must Protect.