Proverbs 18:12 “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.”
It’s one of the hardest things we humans have to do. Our words get stuck trying to express it. We’re afraid our reputation will experience too big a hit if we yield to it. And most politicians run from it like the plague. But so do wives and husbands, employees and employers, children who want to avoid unfavorable consequences. Yet we find freedom and relief every time we experience it.
Yep, most of us have trouble admitting we were wrong. Instead, we double-down.
Doubling down occurs when, rather than acknowledging our mistakes, we wax stronger in our defense. Even when we realize we’re incorrect, we intensify our efforts to save face by grabbing justification for our actions wherever we can find it.
Scripture clearly teaches us about the consequences of doubling down in pride. David doubled down in unlawfully taking a census of Israel…and 70,000 people died (1 Chron. 21:14). Herod doubled down in receiving praise to himself as God…. he was eaten by worms (Acts 12:23). The Pharisees doubled down in their opposition to Jesus….and the whole world went after him (John 12:19).
C.S. Lewis writes, “There is nothing progressive about being pig-headed and refusing to admit a mistake. And I think if you look at the present state of the world it’s pretty plain that humanity has been making some big mistakes. We’re on the wrong road. And if that is so we must go back.”
However, going back requires humility.
Humility acknowledges we don’t know everything but emanates a quiet power. Humility makes us look like Jesus (Phil. 2:3-7). It can heal a nation (2 Chron. 7:15). It protects us from humiliation (Luke 14:11). And it opens the door to grace, wisdom and honor (James 4:6; Prov. 11:2; 18:12). So if you double-down on anything, double-down on having a humble heart, one fixed on truth, love and righteousness.
Whether you are dealing with big issues or small, refuse to let pride push you into doubling down in the wrong direction. Turn around and admit when you’re wrong. Better to have a little egg on your face than put yourself and even others in danger.