When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.

John 16:8

The NIV translators, as well as a few others, render the word ἐλέγξει (elenxei) “prove wrong” instead of “convict” here, which I think helps to elucidate some of the meaning. The word convict could mean to render a judgement or to cause someone to realize their own guilt, whereas proving someone wrong shows the evidence to anyone who is watching, including the guilty party.

For now, people can deny Jesus’ message that the world doesn’t understand its own sinful state and the need for salvation. Someday they will be proven wrong. For their sake, let’s hope they are before it’s too late to change their minds.

Ethan Kirl