2024_07_03 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Esther 3-10
This week, we look at the tragic life of Haman, a national leader who let his pride, prejudice, and arrogance lead him to a humiliating and painful end. We get a snapshot of Haman’s character in our reading. We don’t know how he got to where he was, but his pride expanded with his increased power and authority. Along the way, Haman could have made different choices and averted the disaster he encountered. For instance, when Mordecai refused to bow to him (Esther 3:3-5) instead of letting his rage rule, Haman could have had a meeting to find out what the problem was. Attacking a problem instead of a person is a wise move. Haman’s lack of wisdom and humility fueled an ever-increasing anger and bitterness that led to his downfall.
Stories like this allow you and me to learn valuable lessons without having to pay the price. By seeing the result of misusing authority, allowing anger to go unbridled, and letting prejudice rule, we can avoid the fate that Haman created for himself.
Here are some verses from Proverbs that reinforce what Haman’s story shows us:
“Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.” Proverbs 29:11 (NLT)
“Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” Proverbs 19:11 (NLT)
“The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.” Proverbs 14:8 (NLT)
“The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 15:33 (NIV)
“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:7 (NLT)
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor