Rav Moshe Feinstein Z”TL was once consulted about a complex business dispute between two observant Jews. After hearing both sides present their cases, he ruled in favor of one party. However, several days later, the other party returned with additional evidence that had not been presented initially. Upon reviewing the new information, Reb Moshe realized it significantly changed the facts of the case. The proper ruling should have been with the other party. He immediately contacted both parties and explained that he needed to reverse his decision based on the new evidence.
The party who had originally won protested: "But Rebbe, you have already ruled in my favor! Further, the other party has already accepted the decision!"
Rav Moshe replied firmly: "Our responsibility is to pursue truth and justice, not to protect our own reputation. When I issued my first ruling, I believed it was correct based on the information that was presented. Now that I know it was wrong, how can I allow an incorrect judgment to stand, simply to avoid admitting an error? If I stay silent, I become a partner to injustice."
He reversed his ruling and publicly explained his reasoning. This incident enhanced the respect that people had for Reb Moshe. Valuing Emes (truth) requires us to have the humility to admit our mistakes and the courage to correct them.
