Why Does Right and Wrong Seem So Mixed Up?
Have you ever wondered why some things that used to be called bad are now seen as good, or why some things once considered good are now criticized or even mocked? This confusion between good and evil isn’t just a modern problem—it’s been around for as long as people have. The Bible talks about it in Isaiah 5:20, saying: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” But what does that mean for us today? Let’s talk in plain language about how and why this happens.
What Does “Confusing Good and Evil” Mean?
At its core, this idea is about mixing up what’s right and what’s wrong. Sometimes, things that are truly harmful or immoral are dressed up to look appealing, acceptable, or even admirable. On the flip side, things that are wholesome, healthy, or virtuous get labeled as old-fashioned, hateful, or intolerant.
· A moral inversion: It’s when society swaps the labels on right and wrong, so evil gets praised and good gets criticized.
· A form of deception: Bad behaviors get packaged to look good, making them tempting and easier to accept.
· A rejection of divine standards: Instead of sticking to clear guidelines given by God, people decide for themselves what’s right or wrong.
Why Does This Confusion Happen?
You might ask: If good and evil are so different, why do people get them mixed up? There are a few key reasons.
Human Nature
The Bible says that deep down, human hearts are tricky and even a bit selfish. We tend to do what feels best for us, even if it’s not the right thing. In Jeremiah 17:9, it says, “The heart is deceitful above all things.” That means people can easily fool themselves, thinking their way is better than God’s way.
Societal Influence
What’s popular or “normal” can change over time. Society often redefines what is acceptable. Just look at how public opinions about marriage, family, or honesty have shifted. If enough people say something is okay, it starts to feel less wrong, even if it goes against basic moral principles.
Rejection of God’s Authority
Way back in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve chose to trust their own judgment over God’s. When they ate from the “tree of knowledge of good and evil,” they decided they wanted to pick for themselves what was right or wrong. Ever since, people have been tempted to rely on their own wisdom instead of looking to something higher.
Real-Life Examples of Confusing Good and Evil
This mix-up isn’t just a theory—it actually happens all the time. Here are some everyday examples:
· Redefining Social Values: Decades ago, divorce was widely discouraged and marriage was seen as sacred. Now, divorce is often accepted as normal, while traditional marriage might be seen as outdated by some.
· Mischaracterizing Virtues: Sticking to your moral convictions—like valuing every human life or maintaining personal integrity—might be called “intolerant” or “judgmental” today.
· Glorifying Harmful Behaviors: Actions like promiscuity are sometimes praised as “freedom,” and abortion is reframed as a “right.” Meanwhile, those who speak against these things are labeled as hateful or backward.
Biblical Roots of the Problem
The confusion isn’t new. The Bible describes people “confounding and overthrowing distinctions between good and evil.” In Isaiah 5, we read about people who are so caught up in their ways that they not only ignore God’s commands, but actually mock them. They go after pleasure and wealth, thinking only of themselves, and call sinful things wise or sophisticated.
God issues “woes” (warnings) to those who:
· Are greedy and never satisfied with what they have.
· Chase after pleasure and entertainment but ignore God.
· Twist justice, letting the guilty go free and punishing the innocent.
These aren’t just religious warnings—they’re observations about human behavior that still ring true today.
How Does This Confusion Impact Us?
When society loses track of what’s truly good and evil, it leads to problems for everyone. People may begin to:
· Feel lost or uncertain about what they should value.
· Experience more conflict, as everyone has different “truths.”
· Become more self-centered, focusing only on what feels good rather than what is good.
· See a rise in behaviors that hurt individuals and communities, such as dishonesty, broken families, and injustice.
How Can We Avoid Mixing Up Good and Evil?
Is there any hope? Yes, the Bible offers guidance:
· Hold on to clear moral standards: Don’t let popular opinions, trends, or feelings be your only guide. Seek out lasting principles that don’t change with time.
· Look to God’s wisdom: Trust that God’s standards are there for your good. They’re meant to protect you from harm, not stifle your happiness.
· Be cautious about what you accept: Just because something is praised by society doesn’t mean it’s good. Think carefully and don’t be afraid to question the crowd.
· Encourage what is truly good: Support kindness, honesty, faithfulness, and respect in your life and community.
· Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This means don’t give in to negative influences—choose to do good, even if it’s hard.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
It’s important to recognize that confusing good and evil is a sign of deeper spiritual troubles. It’s not just about changing rules—it’s about drifting away from what’s true and life-giving. The Bible warns that this path leads to disappointment and, ultimately, judgment. When people put wealth, pleasure, or self-interest ahead of everything else, they end up chasing things that don’t satisfy. The result is emptiness, broken relationships, and a loss of meaning.
What Can We Do?
Here are a few practical steps anyone can take:
· Think for yourself: Don’t blindly follow trends or popular opinions. Ask questions and seek the truth.
· Learn from the past: Notice how past generations handled moral challenges. What can you learn from their successes and failures?
· Support those who do good: Encourage friends, family, and leaders who act with integrity, compassion, and respect for others.
· Stay hopeful: Even if the world seems confusing, remember that good still matters, and your choices matter too.
Conclusion
To sum it up: confusing good and evil is a problem as old as humanity itself. It happens when people ignore clear standards and start making up their own rules. The Bible calls this moral inversion a serious issue, warning of consequences for individuals and societies that lose their way. But you don’t have to be swept up in the confusion. By sticking to what’s truly good, relying on wisdom that stands the test of time, and encouraging others to do the same, you can help bring clarity and hope to your world.
So next time you see right and wrong getting mixed up, remember: you have the ability to think, question, and choose what is truly good. That’s not just smart—it’s essential for living a meaningful, fulfilling life.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 