How much of our energy is spent on the need to be right?
Think about it — gossip is built on the hope that someone else is wrong, that their flaws will confirm our own righteousness. Social media is full of grandstanding on divisive topics, where the unspoken message is, I’m right, they’re wrong. Even complaining has the same root — it’s a subtle way of saying, the world should change, but I shouldn’t have to.
At its core, this obsession with being right is not strength — it’s insecurity. It’s the child within us demanding, see me, hear me, agree with me. It’s the ego screaming for validation, craving to be affirmed, to be told we are good and justified.
The Cost of Needing to be right
But the cost of always needing to be right is high.
It divides us. When we focus on proving we are right, we stop listening. We turn people into opponents instead of partners.
It feeds resentment. If others don’t agree, we feel wronged — even attacked.
It keeps us stuck. Complaining about what should be different is easier than asking how we might change.
The need to be right becomes a prison. It traps us in defensiveness and steals our ability to grow.
Moving Beyond the Ego
What if we let go of being right?
What if the goal wasn’t to win the argument but to understand? What if instead of posting to prove a point, we paused long enough to examine why we feel the need to be heard so badly?
Maturity is realizing that being right is often less important than being kind. True strength is in being willing to change — to admit, I might not have the full picture.
The Quiet Power of Humility
When we stop demanding to be right, we create space for wisdom. We listen better. We soften. We grow.
Maybe the real victory isn’t proving our point — it’s living with enough peace inside that we don’t have to.
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” — Proverbs 3:7
