Honesty Really Is The Best Policy

I know a man who used to work in the front office of several teams in the NFL, rising as high as vice president for one. He was the business equivalent of the “five-tool player” in baseball: he was extremely bright; well educated; comfortable dealing with players, business leaders, coaches, and fans; and was a great ambassador for the team and the league. He quickly grasped the issues facing the league, navigated his team through competitive challenges, and built a strong product for his team’s owner, both on and off the field.

There were many observers around the league who anticipated that he might eventually end up as the next commissioner of the NFL.

He’s now out of the league completely. What happened?

Sadly, he had a hang-up with honesty. He simply couldn’t tell the truth. It got to the point where, on occasion, he even joked about it. Ultimately, however, that character flaw proved to be his undoing, outweighing any assets he brought with him. When people can’t rely on your word, when they can’t trust you, it undermines everything else you are trying to do.

Honesty is a component of a person’s character that is remembered far longer than an individual’s words, talents, or accomplishments. All those things can carry a person to a point, but ultimately, without honing that deep core of honesty, they will all be for naught.

Be someone who tells the truth. Let your “yes” be “yes.” Nothing more and nothing less.

His Promises

Just say a simple, “Yes, I will,” or “No, I won’t.” Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Better to be poor and honest

than to be dishonest and a fool.

If you want to enjoy life

and see many happy days,

keep your tongue from speaking evil

and your lips from telling lies.

Turn away from evil and do good.

Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right,

and his ears are open to their prayers.

But the LORD turns his face

against those who do evil.