Esther 14 - Pride

Beginning with Esther 5:9 we learn about one of Haman’s characteristics; pride. We see in verse 11 that he boasted to his friends about his vast wealth, his sons, and his relationship with the king. In the next verse he bragged that he was the only person the Queen invited to join her and the king for dinner.

Pride is a feeling of superiority above others. God knew that we were going to have a problem with pride and he issued some warnings to us about that in His Word. In Proverbs 8:13 we are told “I hate pride and arrogance”. Proverbs 11:3 says “When pride comes then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” In 13:10 we read “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” We are warned in 16:18 that “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” and finally in 29:23 “A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor”.

You see, what God wants us to realize is that He created us and in ourselves we are nothing. In fact, although God made us perfect, we chose to disobey Him and sin entered into our lives. It is God’s desire that if we have any success in our lives we realize it is from Him. He wants us to have the humble heart of a servant. That attitude will allow us to be most useful to Him.

Isaiah does a good job of describing the attitude God desires. He says in 64:8 “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” The potter takes clay from the ground and molds it into useful and beautiful things. God wants to do that in each of our lives and will if we allow Him.

As God gives you success, never forget that He wants you to remain moldable. That attitude will bring joy and peace into your life.