What can we learn from Haman's intentions about pride and humility? Setting the Scene “ ‘Haman is standing in the court.’ ‘Bring him in,’ ordered the king.” (Esther 6:5) • It is the early morning after a sleepless night for King Ahasuerus. • Haman waits in the court, eager to ask permission to hang Mordecai. • He is convinced honor is coming his way—pride has blinded him to reality. Haman’s Heart on Display • Self-exaltation: Haman assumes the king is ready to reward him (Esther 6:6). • Malice wrapped in pride: he plans Mordecai’s death while expecting his own glory. • Total self-absorption: not once does Haman consider God’s hand or other people. Scripture’s Diagnosis of Pride • Proverbs 16:18—“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Psalm 10:4—“In his pride the wicked does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” Haman’s conduct mirrors each verse: self-focus, disregard for God, and the precipice of ruin. Humility Contrasted • Philippians 2:3—“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Luke 14:11—“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Mordecai quietly serves and waits; Haman loudly positions himself and falls. Lessons for Today • Pride deceives. Like Haman, we can misread circumstances when self drives the narrative. • Pride isolates. Haman listens only to his own voice; humility seeks counsel (Proverbs 11:14). • Pride invites divine resistance. God sovereignly turns Haman’s scheme into Mordecai’s honor (Esther 6:10–11). • Humility waits for God’s timing. Mordecai’s recognition arrives without self-promotion (1 Peter 5:6). Taking It Home • Examine motives: Are my plans centered on God’s glory or personal applause? • Choose downward mobility: Serve unnoticed, trusting God to lift up in His way (Matthew 23:12). • Celebrate others: Rejoice when someone else receives the honor we hoped for (Romans 12:15). • Guard the heart daily: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). Haman stood in the court brimming with pride; moments later, he led Mordecai in royal procession. Scripture invites us to stand before God instead—with humble hearts He is eager to honor in His perfect time. |
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