Admitting Mistakes Takes Courage
Thursday, August 7, 2025
“Every mistake can be a lesson if you tell the truth about it. Every scar has a story meant for the next man who might be saved by it.” – The Biblical Man
I just had an interesting conversation with a lady on Substack, a social media platform that allows writers to publish newsletters and blog-style content, offering both free and paid subscription options. As you may have guessed, I offer the free version and invite you to subscribe if you’re interested in reading my faith-based ramblings.
In any case, the woman in question responded to one of my posts about three different polls that showed how the Democrat Party’s popularity has plummeted in recent months. The polls were conducted by Gallup, CNN, and the Wall Street Journal – not exactly right-wing extremist organizations – but the lady questioned their accuracy, nonetheless. She then asked me what the same polls said about President Trump’s approval rating, to which I responded that that wasn’t one of the questions.
Her response was to angrily dismiss the polls altogether – simply because she didn’t like their results – and to conduct an unscientific one of her own, claiming without proof that “the administration is in a death spiral”. Realizing that I wasn’t going to convince her otherwise (see Proverbs 26:4 and Matthew 7:6), I signed off with a quote from Bruce Lee, the late martial artist and film star.
“Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.”
Sadly, instead of admitting that she was wrong in her conclusions, this woman’s deep-seated pride forced her to double-down on her faulty logic. And so, instead of learning a lesson in humility, she simply hardened her heart to the truth.
My friend, please don’t be like this lady. When you are wrong – like we all are from time to time – readily admit it, learn from your mistake, and move on. Refusing to do so is the height of arrogance as well as a wasted opportunity to grow in grace and knowledge.
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
