The Pitfalls of Pride

Scripture Reading:  Esther 2:21-3:15
Memory Verse: The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright. Proverbs 29:10

The pitfalls of pride threaten first to destroy the Jews and then end with the destruction of Haman. Pride destroys. 

1.  Mordecai saves the King from prideful assassins. 2:21-23

• Assassins were reported dutifully
  
• Credit was given specifically
  

2.  Mordecai disobeys the King’s command to bow to Haman: 3:1-4

• Mordecai interpreted the command of the King as a violation of his Jewish identity on God.
  
• Mordecai was loyal to both his God and his King but would not compromise his identity.
  
• Consistent character can be confused with arrogance when it goes against the behavior of the majority.
  
• People of character do not compromise just to align themselves with culture. 
  

3.  Haman Plots to Kill the Jews: 3:5-9

• Unjustified anger with the convictions of others is a sign of pride.
  
• Anger at the perception of a loss of honor is a sign of pride.
  
• Pride will lead you to resort to any possible means of persuasion to get your way.
  

4.  The King’s Foolish Pride: 3:10-15

• He gives him his money!
  
• He gives him his ring of power!
  
• He gives him his law making and law enforcing authority!
  
• His leadership leaves his citizens confused!
  

5.  Precepts related to pride!

• The Lord hates pride! Pro 8:13 
  
• Pride leads a godless person to believe they are like God and have no need of Him. Job 20:6 - Ps 10:4  
  
• Pride is a trap in which people become caught. Ps 59:12 
  
• Pride blinds a person regarding their own motives. Obadiah 1:3
  
• Pride brings people down. Pro 29:23
  
• Impatient action is a symptom of pride. Ecc 7:8
  
• Pride brings strife! Pro 13:10
  
• Pride is outward and symptomatic of violence. Ps 73:6 
  
• Pride brings disgrace and is the opposite of humble wisdom. Pro 11:2 
  
• Prideful speech is the speech of a fool! Pro 14:3 
  
• Pride leads to destruction. Pro 16:18
  
• God brings punishment on leaders who are prideful toward His people. Isa 10:12 
  
• God takes pride in His remnant, Israel. Isa 4:2 
  
• Pride comes from a worldly heart and mind. 1 John 2:16 
  

SO WHAT?

• Diagnose your level of pride by considering your level of anger and need to control.
  
• Repent of pride!
  
• Seek to walk in an attitude of humility.