Esther 5

“But when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he neither rose nor trembled before him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai” (v9). Haman’s great power in the Persian kingdom wasn’t enough; he wanted to be better than anyone, especially Mordecai. He bragged about his exclusive invitation: “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared” (v12). His delight in his high status was poisoned by his obsession to get everyone – especially Mordecai – to bow before him.

“Yet all this is worth nothing to me …” (v13). Envy, discontent, and the desire to be better than others make it impossible to genuinely enjoy God’s good gifts to us.