The Differences Between The Good Gal And The Bad Guy
Esther 5:1-14
Preached Wednesday May 7, 2003
Introduction:
One of the fascinating things about the book of Esther is its rich character development. There is much to learn about the people in this story. So far we have seen how God’s sovereignty plays a part in the eventual deliverance of His people. We have also seen Esther’s obedience and submission playing a part. In Esther chapter 5, God has preserved for us a look at the contrast between the bad guy, Haman, and the good gal, Esther. As we discover these character qualities, or the lack thereof, examine your own life to see what you need to work on.
I. In the area of submission
A. Esther obeyed Mordecai
Esther 4:17
17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
1 Timothy 2:9-11
9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
B. Esther obtained favor from the king.
Esther 5:1-2
Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. 2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
C. Haman acted first, and sought for permission later.
Esther 5:14
14 Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.
è It is not always best to assume that it is better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.
II. In the area of presumption.
A. Presumption = overstepping bounds, taking too much for granted, over confidence, arrogance, being too bold or forward.
Psalm 19:13
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
B. Esther was very careful about her boundaries.
1. She wore the proper clothing for the occasion.
2. She waited in the court.
3. She only approached after the sceptre was held out.
C. Haman was presumptuous.
1. Arrogant
Esther 5:9,13
9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. 13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.
è This arrogance caused hatred.
2. Overconfident.
Esther 5:10-11
10 Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife. 11 And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.
3. Took too much for granted.
Esther 5:12
12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.
III. In the area of discretion
A. Discretion = being careful about what one says, keeping silent, preserving confidence when necessary.
1. It is a product of wisdom.
Proverbs 1:1-4
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
2. It will preserve you.
Proverbs 2:10-11
10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
3. It will defer anger.
Proverbs 19:11
11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
4. Mere beauty is overrated.
Proverbs 11:22
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
B. Esther did not speak all her mind at once.
Esther 5:4-9
4 And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. 5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared. 6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed. 7 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is; 8 If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
1. This is a result of praying for wisdom.
Esther 4:16
16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
James 1:5
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
2. This kind of restraint is a sign of wisdom.
Proverbs 29:11
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
C. Haman lacked discretion.
Esther 5:13-14
13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate. 14 Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.
1. Spewed his hatred.
2. Received wicked counsel as a result.
