4th Step Inventory Worksheet: Free Printable PDF
This 4th step inventory worksheet lays out the resentment inventory the way the book does on pages 64–67 of Alcoholics Anonymous (fourth edition): who you're angry at, why, what it hurt in you, and then your own part.
It's built to be done with a human sponsor. You write it; then in Step Five you read it to God and to that person. Print as many pages as you need. Most people need several.
Download free PDFFree. No email, no sign-up. A printable PDF, letter size: how the columns work, a worked example, and pages of blank rows.
The four columns, in plain words
- Column 1, I'm resentful at: a person, an institution (a church, a company, the courts) or a principle (a rule or idea you can't stand). One name per row. Don't judge the list yet; just write.
- Column 2, The cause: what they did, in a few words. The facts as you see them, not the whole story.
- Column 3, It affects my: which part of you felt hit. The book names five: self-esteem (how I see myself), security (money, home, safety), ambitions (what I wanted to happen), personal relations (my place with people) and sex relations. Write all that apply.
- Column 4, My part: now set the other person aside and look at yourself. Where was I selfish, dishonest, self-seeking or frightened? What did I do to set the ball rolling, or keep it rolling?
Worked example
| I'm resentful at | The cause | It affects my | My part (selfish, dishonest, self-seeking, frightened) |
|---|---|---|---|
| My old boss, Dave | Passed me over for a raise and corrected me in front of the crew. | Self-esteem, security, ambitions | I came in late and hungover more than I admit. I talked about him behind his back. I was afraid of being found out. Selfish and dishonest. |
The first row is an example. The PDF has 0 blank rows to fill in.
Before you start
- Read pages 63–71 of your own copy of Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Pray first. Ask God to show you the truth, not to make you feel worse.
- Go across one column at a time, not one row at a time. Column 4 comes last.
- Keep it private and safe. Use initials if you need to.
- Set a time to go over it with your sponsor. Step Five comes next.
My resentment inventory
| I'm resentful at | The cause | It affects my | My part (selfish, dishonest, self-seeking, frightened) |
|---|---|---|---|
The PDF has 37 blank rows to fill in.
When the columns are done
- Looking down column 4, what keeps showing up? Which defect do you see most?
- Which name was hardest to write, and why?
- Who on this list can you start praying for today? Write their names.
How to use it
- Read pages 63–71 of your own copy before you begin, and pray.
- List every name in column 1 first. Don't leave anyone off because it seems small.
- Fill column 2 for every row, then column 3, then column 4.
- Print extra pages of the table if you run out of rows.
- Go over it with your sponsor, then move on to the fear and harms inventories and Step Five.
Scripture to go with it
“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD!”
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
The column layout and the words self-esteem, security, ambitions, personal relations, sex relations, selfish, dishonest, self-seeking and frightened follow the 1939 first edition of Alcoholics Anonymous. Page numbers are from the fourth edition. The explanations and example are our own. Steps & Scripture is not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Talk it through with Jimmy or Sarah — first month free
Jimmy and Sarah are AI sponsors who know the Twelve Steps and the Bible. They'll listen, walk the steps with you, and keep pointing you to real people: a meeting, a sponsor, a church.
Free to download · first month free, no card · adults 18+
After the first month, talking with Jimmy or Sarah needs Plus ($9.99/month or $59.99/year).
Common questions
What are the columns of a 4th step inventory?
The book's resentment inventory has three columns: who you resent, the cause, and what it affects in you (self-esteem, security, ambitions, personal and sex relations). Then it has you look at your own part: where you were selfish, dishonest, self-seeking or frightened. This sheet puts that as a fourth column.
Do I have to do Step Four with a sponsor?
Yes, please do. You write the inventory yourself, but a human sponsor helps you see what you can't, and in Step Five you read it to that person. Don't do this step alone.
How many names should I list?
All of them. Small grudges count, and so do people who are dead, institutions and ideas. Most people fill several pages.
Is this the only inventory in Step Four?
No. The book follows the resentment inventory with a fear inventory and a sex conduct and harms inventory. There are free worksheets for both linked on this page.
Get the daily reading by email
One short reading a day: a verse, a few honest words, one thing to do and a prayer. Unsubscribe any time.
We'll send one email to confirm. We never share your address.