Love God Greatly: For Such a Time as This - a Study on the Book of EstherSample

Week 1: Relying on and Trusting God's Wisdom

Responding with Prudence

Read: Esther 1:9-12, Proverbs 12:16

SOAP: Proverbs 12:16

“A fool’s annoyance is known at once, but the prudent conceals dishonor.”

Into the Text

King Ahasuerus was not accustomed to not getting what he wanted. Queen Vashti’s refusal not only embarrassed him in front of his guests, but it also wounded his pride. The king’s power and authority were being challenged, all by a woman, his queen. His anger and hot temper immediately flared as embarrassment engulfed him.

I read this and sit here judging King Ahasuerus, yet how many times have I been there, too? I request my children to do something, but they defiantly refuse while out in public. A friend I’ve known for years suddenly doesn’t seem to value our friendship and make time for me. Or when I’m in a rush to get to an appointment and a distracted driver cuts me off as they enter my lane. In all these situations, my heart begins to race, and I’m tempted to get angry and lash out. And in those moments, I realize I’m not as different from King Ahasuerus as I’d like to think.

In Proverbs 12:16, we read that a prudent person ignores the insult. Wait, what? God wants me to overlook insults instead of fighting back? Webster’s dictionary says that “Prudent” means to act or show care and thought for the future. Instead of immediately responding to a negative situation and acting like a fool, God wants me to pause and think about the future, contemplate the situation, and, if possible, ignore the offense. When we contemplate the future, it gives us time to calm down and better evaluate the situation. And when possible, ignore the insult.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, help me to be a woman of wisdom instead of a fool who rushes in with anger the moment I am offended or upset. Help me to consider the future and evaluate how my response can impact it for the better or worse. In these situations, please strengthen me to respond in a way that honors you. Amen.