Admitting When You Are Wrong

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6 
 
Why do people, when they are confronted, have a difficult time admitting they are wrong? They did something wrong, but they refuse to take any responsibility for their actions. They don’t even want to talk about it. They invariably try to justify why they did it. At the core, the human spirit is rebelling against God. This is a very dangerous heart attitude to possess.  
 
Researchers who have studied human behavior for years have suggested several explanations for people not admitting when they are wrong:  
 
1. They have a fragile ego.  
They won’t acknowledge the sin, possibly because they have a fragile ego. It wounds them to say, “I am wrong.”  They just can’t admit they are wrong. If they admitted they were wrong, their ego gets knocked down a couple of pegs, and they can’t afford to take that risk. 
 
2. They have to admit they are unworthy. 
Some have suggested that if people admit they are wrong, there is a sense of being unworthy. Their sense of self-worth feels under attack.  
 
3. They want to appear strong and confident. 
They want to be in control. They put on a strong front; they might raise their voice and become even more stiff-necked when someone challenges their thoughts or opinions. 
 
4. They assume they can’t handle the truth. 
Furthermore, they don't really value the truth, especially if it attacks them. They would rather have people agree with them than line up with what is true.  
 
5. They are self-absorbed. 
Because they are so self-absorbed, their world is all about them. How do they feel about themselves and what do others think about them? If they’re wrong, the answer to those questions might not be favorable.   
 
6. They are stubborn. 
Some have suggested that they are just plain stubborn and refuse to admit they’re wrong just because they don’t want to give in. 
 
Regardless of the reason, you find an entire world that lifts their fists toward heaven and says, “Not your will God, but mine be done.” But as I said before, this is a very dangerous position to put yourself in. Scripture is very clear that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. If you humble yourself before the Lord and admit when you’re strong, He will show you grace and mercy. But if you continue to stay stuck in your own pride and refuse to admit when you’re wrong, the consequences won’t be favorable. So choose to humble yourself today and ask the Lord to give you grace, wisdom, and humility as you seek to follow Him.