10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city.13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. Acts 24:10-16

The defendant always spoke after the accuser in Roman trials, and this situation was no different. Tertullus presented numerous untrue facts to the governor, none of which phased Paul. When Paul was permitted to speak, he began by appealing to the governor's sense of justice. Truthfully and with precision, Paul laid out his defense. He knew and leveraged a leadership tool that every man should be aware of.

Paul used integrity and truth in the face of deceit and inaccuracy. Great men know how to use the power of plainly speaking the truth without being baited into anger. Learning the art of speaking the truth in all circumstances will build you as a man. Find ways to practice this and increase this behavior frequently, no matter the situation.

DO THIS TODAY: Strive to speak the truth.