Answers
By Billy Graham • November 20, 2017 • Topics: Pride
Q:
Why won't some people admit it when they're wrong? My uncle has made a lot of bad decisions in his life, but he refuses to take responsibility for them or apologize when he's hurt someone. Instead he always blames someone else for his problems. Do people like this ever change?
A:
Unfortunately, experience tells us that people like this seldom change; their pride gets in the way, and they can’t bring themselves to admit that they alone are responsible for their failures. The Bible says, “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice” (Proverbs 13:10).
But note that I didn’t say they can never change, because sometimes they do—with God’s help. I think, for example, of King Nebuchadnezzar in the Old Testament. As the ruler of the Babylonian Empire, he was the most powerful person in the world. When some of Daniel’s friends refused Nebuchadnezzar’s command to worship a mammoth golden idol he had built, he had them thrown into a fiery furnace (although God protected them). Daniel warned him to repent of his evil ways and turn to God—but he refused (see Daniel 4:27-30).
In time, however, Nebuchadnezzar lost his sanity, and also his throne. In his distress, he humbly turned to God, and God delivered him and restored his power. His life was changed, and he issued a decree declaring that “I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven. … And those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37).
Pray for your uncle, that God will help him admit his pride, and help him realize his need to open his heart and life to Jesus Christ. Pray too that you will be an example to him of true humility and Christ-like love.
