How does Esther 1:15 illustrate the importance of seeking wise counsel in leadership? Reading the Verse “According to the law, what must be done to Queen Vashti for refusing to obey King Xerxes’ command delivered by the eunuchs?” (Esther 1:15) A Leader’s Instinct to Seek Counsel • The king recognizes that Vashti’s defiance is more than a personal slight; it has legal and national implications. • Rather than reacting rashly, he turns to those “who understood the times” (v. 13), showing an instinctive awareness that leadership decisions should be anchored in counsel and law, not in impulse. What Makes Counsel Wise? 1. Grounded in Law and Principle – Xerxes’ first words are “According to the law…,” underscoring that counsel must be measured against an objective standard. 2. Drawn from Experienced Voices – The advisers were “wise men who understood the times” (v. 13)—seasoned, culturally aware, and presumably versed in precedent. 3. Able to Foresee Wider Impact – They evaluated how Vashti’s act might ripple through the empire (v. 17), highlighting a key leadership need: counsel that anticipates consequences. Positive Lessons for Today’s Leaders • Pause before Decisions – Seeking counsel prevents knee-jerk reactions (cf. Proverbs 15:22, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed,”). • Look for Counsel Within God-Given Structures – Family, church elders, or legal frameworks can function like Xerxes’ court, guiding choices within orderly boundaries (Romans 13:1). • Value Collective Insight – “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). A Cautionary Side Note Although Xerxes sought counsel, the advice he received was flawed, leading to a harsh decree. His example reminds us that: • Counsel must align with God’s righteousness, not merely cultural norms. • Wise input should be weighed, not followed blindly (Acts 17:11). • Leaders remain accountable for final decisions, even when advised (1 Kings 12:8-16 shows Rehoboam’s ruin after ignoring godly counsel). Parallel Scriptures on Seeking Wisdom • Proverbs 11:14 — “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.” • James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault….” • Psalm 1:1-2 — True counsel delights in God’s law, not the counsel of the wicked. Putting It into Practice • Commit major decisions to prayer and Scripture first, then invite trusted, godly voices to speak in. • Assess counsel by asking, “Does this align with God’s Word and character?” • Cultivate a personal network of advisers known for reverence for God, experience, and integrity. |
    |