What can we learn from Haman's anger about handling personal offenses biblically? Haman’s Boiling Point – Esther 5:9 “Then Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart. But when Haman saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and observed that he neither rose nor trembled in his presence, Haman was filled with rage against Mordecai.” Lesson 1: Pride Magnifies Every Offense • Haman’s happiness evaporated the moment his ego was bruised. • Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • When self-importance rules, even small slights feel unbearable. Humility diffuses the sting (Philippians 2:3). Lesson 2: Unchecked Anger Blinds Judgment • Haman “was filled with rage” and could not see anything else. • Proverbs 29:11 – “A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.” • James 1:19-20 – anger that is not reined in “does not produce the righteousness of God.” • Clear thinking returns only when anger is surrendered to the Lord. Lesson 3: Nursing Grudges Fuels Sinful Schemes • Haman went home to rehearse his grievances (Esther 5:10-13). • Ephesians 4:26-27 warns that prolonged anger “gives the devil a foothold.” • Left unchecked, resentment in the heart moves toward revenge with the hands (Genesis 4:5-8; Romans 12:17). Lesson 4: Personal Offenses Are God’s to Repay • Haman plotted gallows; God later hung him on them (Esther 7:10). • Romans 12:19 – “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” • Trusting God’s justice frees us to forgive and keep a clear conscience. Putting It into Practice • Admit pride quickly; confess it as sin. • Slow anger’s rise by listening first (James 1:19). • Refuse to rehearse the hurt; meditate on truth instead (Psalm 119:165). • Choose forgiveness, imitating Christ who “when He suffered, He did not threaten but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). |
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