Esther 5-6

“Then Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches, and number of his sons, and every instance where the king had magnified him …” (5:11).  In Old Testament stories, bragging about personal glory usually means disaster for that individual.  Haman’s pride controlled him.  Even though he was honored by the king, seeing that Mordecai still “did not stand up or tremble before him” (v9) infuriated him.  He went home and told everyone who would listen how great he was. 

Haman’s pride stands in almost comical contrast to both Mordecai and Esther’s humility and courage.  “For God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).