The Right to Be Wrong

The Right to Be Wrong
By RuiEnglish ™ 

From an early age, we are taught that doing right earns rewards while mistakes bring punishment. Many carry this belief into adulthood, fearing error and clinging stubbornly to the need to always be right—even when wrong. Yet the Bible reminds us that correction is not shameful but life-giving: “To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness. Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots” (Proverbs 12:1–3). Embracing our right to be wrong is therefore not about excusing sin but about recognizing error as a pathway toward truth. 

Mistakes should not be treated as permanent stains but as opportunities for growth. When Pharaoh admitted to Moses, “This time I have sinned. The Lord is the righteous one, and my people and I are wrong” (Exodus 9:27), he modeled the truth that even hardened hearts can acknowledge error. Similarly, Samuel challenged the people to testify if he had ever acted unjustly, saying, “Tell me and I will make right whatever I have done wrong” (1 Samuel 12:3). Such humility to confess and correct missteps is the true mark of wisdom, for, as Paul taught, “All Scripture… corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16). 

This principle extends into daily life. In pursuing lifestyle satisfaction, we often discover through trial and error which choices align with our authentic selves. Such mistakes are not wasted years but vital lessons. King Solomon prayed, “Give me an understanding heart so that I can… know the difference between right and wrong” (1 Kings 3:9), reminding us that discernment is a learned gift, not an instant possession. To insist on being right at all costs stunts growth, but to embrace correction deepens both authenticity and joy. 

Identity development also relies on this freedom. Adolescents experiment with beliefs, behaviors, and communities, making inevitable missteps along the way. Jeremiah lamented of his generation, “They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do right!” (Jeremiah 4:22). Still, such errors need not define them. A nurturing environment that guides gently, as parents do when treating mistakes as teachable moments, builds resilience. Paul echoes this in Romans 14:1: “Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” Loving correction, not condemnation, fosters authentic maturity. 

Even intellectual growth depends on error. Job defended his integrity, declaring, “Don’t I know the difference between right and wrong?” (Job 6:30). Yet such discernment comes only through trial, error, and correction. Hebrews 5:14 affirms this: “Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” Every corrected misunderstanding becomes the training ground of wisdom. To fear mistakes is to resist the very process God uses to sharpen our minds. 

This truth applies beyond individuals to whole societies. Cultures advance when they admit error, whether in unjust laws, failed ideologies, or corrupt systems. “Your kindness to the wicked does not make them do good. Although others do right, the wicked keep doing wrong and take no notice of the Lord’s majesty” (Isaiah 26:10). Thus, the courage to repent and reform is essential for collective progress. Paul affirmed that obedience to truth makes communities strong: “I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong” (Romans 16:19). 

Finally, our self-concept is often tested by the pressure to appear perfect in front of others and in media. Yet liberation comes from admitting imperfection. As Romans 14:22 reminds us, “Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right.” And when we fall, godly sorrow leads to restoration: “See what this godly sorrow produced in you… such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right” (2 Corinthians 7:11). To exercise the right to be wrong is not rebellion—it is an act of humility that opens the door to God’s correction, deeper wisdom, and true freedom. 

Glossary of Key Terms

Authenticity: The quality of being genuine and true to oneself; developed through embracing correction and understanding one's true self.

Correction: The act of setting right an error or fault; presented as life-giving and a pathway toward truth rather than punishment.

Discernment: The ability to judge well; the capacity to distinguish between right and wrong, described as a learned gift acquired through trial and error.

Godly Sorrow: A type of remorse that leads to repentance and restoration, as opposed to worldly sorrow which can lead to despair; mentioned in 2 Corinthians 7:11.

Humility: A modest or low view of one's own importance; a key virtue in acknowledging errors and seeking correction.

Identity Development: The process through which individuals form a sense of who they are, often involving experimentation and inevitable missteps.

Perfectionism: The insistence on being flawless; often cited as a barrier to growth and an impediment to admitting imperfection.

Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; built through experiencing and learning from mistakes in a supportive environment.

Restoration: The act of returning something to a former condition, place, or position; in this context, the healing and renewal that follows confession and correction.

Trial and Error: A problem-solving method in which multiple attempts are made to reach a solution; presented as a fundamental process for learning and growth.

Wisdom: The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; developed through intellectual growth, correction, and understanding the difference between right and wrong.