A Tiger in Turmoil

The crumbling of Tiger Woods’ public image over the past few weeks has been a shock. But in hindsight, maybe all the lurid revelations shouldn’t have been such a surprise. As far back as 1997, Tiger revealed a mind in the gutter when GQ published obscene, sexist and racist jokes and comments that he claimed were meant to be off the record.

Of course, a few dirty jokes don’t automatically make someone an adulterer – but it does offer a peak into their heart. Jesus said “a tree is recognized by its fruit. … For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him” (Matthew 12:33-35).

Even as Tiger has displayed mastery of golf, his mouth has continued to indicate he is hardly a saint. Television microphones have repeatedly picked up Woods’ on-course F-bombs and use of God’s name in vain. I remember debating this issue a few years ago with a fellow golf writer when I worked in that business. I argued that, despite his dominance on the course and polished image off of it, I didn’t consider Tiger the best role model for kids, simply because he couldn’t control his tongue. As it turns out, a foul mouth is not the worst of his failings.

It’s interesting that Tiger is considered not only one of the most physically talented golfers of all time, but also one of the most intelligent. His decision making and mental control have always given him a huge advantage over other players. But clearly his wisdom has not extended to his private life. As King Solomon wrote, “A man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself” (Proverbs 6:32).

What this whole scandal proves, for the umpteenth time, is that no matter how rich and powerful someone is, and no matter how invincible they think they are, they will always – always – be found out when they violate God’s moral law. And there will always be destructive consequences. Again, the words of Solomon prove true: “For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword” (Proverbs 5:3-4).

Think Tiger would agree with that?