What Every Coach Hates

What Every Coach Hates

Coaches are interesting characters, aren’t they? Each has his or her own idiosyncrasies. Each has his or her own language and personality. Some are fired up all the time—inspirational and continuously motivating their athletes. Others are calm, quiet, and seemingly unmoved by success or failure.

Vince Lombardi once said, “The quality of a man’s life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence.”

Excellence can be challenged by taking shortcuts. We do this in our thought life, our relationships, our work life, and in our treatment of others. Do you know what every coach hates? Shortcuts. Shortcuts undercut excellence, which undermines the entire effort of the team.

What shortcuts are you taking? Proverbs 8:13 speaks of four shortcuts that undermine excellence in our lives: “All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.”

As wisdom is personified, she proclaims what she hates—pride, arrogance, corruption (translated as “evil behavior” in the New International Version), and perverse speech. These are shortcuts that undercut excellence and God’s work in our lives.

Why do we find ourselves taking these shortcuts? I think it’s because it is easier to live for yourself and get puffed up with pride, living a life that declares you don’t need God. Arrogantly promoting yourself to the front of the line so that others are pushed back is easier than going to the end of the line and waiting your turn.

Taking shortcuts in your work so that you will be more profitable is easier than paying the price to deliver the work with integrity. Corruption is always easier than integrity. Speaking curses comes so much easier than lifting up someone else with a blessing. Perverse speech flows right off the tongue.

Each of these shortcuts leads away from the life of wisdom that has great value. Take the longer, purer path, and enjoy the fruit that is borne through the excellence of your integrity.

All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.

Proverbs 8:13