Chapter 401 of 1163

ESTHER 7

The wise person knows what to say and how and when to say it (Prov. 15:28; 16:23). In her brief reply to the king’s question, Esther revealed her nationality (Esther 2:10, 20), her danger, and the presence of an enemy in the palace. She gave no names but waited to see the reaction of the king. God gives us the wisdom we need when we need it (James 1:5).

What a blow to the king’s pride to learn that the man he had promoted and honored was only a self-seeking traitor: “As messengers of death is the king’s wrath” (Prov. 16:14). Haman took Mordecai’s place on the gallows, and the king’s anger was appeased: “The righteous is delivered from trouble, and it comes to the wicked instead” (Prov. 11:8).

Beware if you are digging a pit for an enemy; you may fall in it yourself (Ps. 7:14–16). An enemy is a costly thing, a luxury that is too expensive to maintain.

The Prosperity of the Wicked

Today it seems that the wicked are prospering and the righteous are suffering, but one day that will change (Prov. 11:8). Pharaoh had the Jewish boy babies drowned and God drowned his army in the Red Sea (Exod. 14:19ff.). Daniel was delivered from the lions’ den, and the people who falsely accused him took his place and were slain (Dan. 6). Peter was delivered from prison, and his guards were executed (Acts 12). King Herod killed James and was slain by God (Acts 12). Read and ponder Psalm 73.

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