P R E S S   C O N F E R E N C E

Proverbs 6:16-19

How well do you handle press conferences or newspaper and television interviews?  How do you handle it when a coach resigns or is fired?  What do you tell your friends when a teammate is suspended, benched, injured or dismissed?  Do you tell the truth or do you concoct a story to cover the situation?  Be careful…

In Proverbs chapter 6 and verses 16 through 19 we read about the things God hates, “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies…”

A false witness is someone who knows the truth, but is unwilling to tell it.  Rather than tell the truth or say nothing, the false witness makes up a story to cover his backside.  Usually this takes place in public, like the courtroom or the press conference.

To pour out lies looks like a huge bucket being tipped over and spilling out its contents of deception, half-truth and perjury.  The lies thus poured out are meant to obscure the truth like paint would cover a stain.

Choose to speak wisely in public.  There are always situations that require us to protect information given us in confidence.  We must protect the trust given us by teammates, coaches and friends and sometimes the best thing to say is nothing.  Speak wisely and everyone will be pleased, with the possible exception of sportswriters.

Have a great day of competition and enjoy the interviews as you speak with tremendous wisdom!

Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 16:19-31
II Timothy 1:1-7
Nehemiah 4-5