“Een Verkeerde Mis Niet Vals En Toch Een Smeerlap” is a phrase in Dutch that translates to “A wrong mass is not false and yet a scoundrel” in English. This phrase is often used to convey the idea that making a mistake does not necessarily make someone a bad person.
The phrase originated from the play “Gijsbrecht van Aemstel” by Joost van den Vondel, a famous Dutch playwright. In the play, the character Badeloch says this line to her husband, Gijsbrecht, after he mistakenly accuses a friend of betrayal. Badeloch uses this phrase to remind Gijsbrecht that even though he made a mistake, it does not make him a villain.
This phrase has since become a common saying in Dutch culture, often used to emphasize the importance of forgiveness and understanding. It serves as a reminder that everyone is capable of making mistakes, and that it is important to not judge someone solely based on one error.
In today’s society, where perfection is often idolized and mistakes are heavily criticized, “Een Verkeerde Mis Niet Vals En Toch Een Smeerlap” serves as a valuable lesson in empathy and compassion. It encourages people to be forgiving and understanding towards others, and to remember that making a mistake does not define a person’s character.
So next time you find yourself in a situation where someone has made a mistake, remember the wisdom of this Dutch phrase and try to see the person behind the error. After all, a wrong mass is not false, and yet a scoundrel.