Sound Advice

Sound Advice

Haman’s Wife

Read: Esther 6:13; 7:10

Holding her daughter’s hand, Phyllis listened as Tori sobbed out the story of the breakup with her boyfriend. I could see this day coming, Phyllis thought. She had seen the obvious warning signs. From the beginning, she had urged Tori not to get involved with the guy. But her strong-willed daughter had ignored her advice and angrily accused her of being narrow-minded. At one time, Phyllis had imagined herself saying, “I told you so.” But now, all she could think about was how much pain and heartache her daughter could have avoided if only she’d listened.

Haman’s wife gave him good advice, and his refusal to listen to her led to his death and her deep suffering. She saw that God had protected and honored Mordecai, so she urged Haman to quit opposing him. Haman continued with his plot against Mordecai, with the result that the king executed him and his sons and seized his property. Because of her husband’s stubbornness, Haman’s wife lost her family and her home. For the rest of her life, she must have imagined how her life would have been if Haman had only followed her advice.

It’s hard to watch those we love headed for trouble, but all we can do is give them our opinion that what they are doing is a mistake. We can’t force others to follow our advice even if it’s in their best interest. God never forces us to follow his counsel even though he always knows what is best for us. His Word gives us the instructions we need to enjoy the best possible life, but we often ignore his guidance and go our own way. When we reap the consequences of our rebellion, God stands ready to comfort us. All the while, he longs for us to see how much pain and heartache we can avoid by following his advice.

Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.

Psalm 119:24