以斯帖鼓起勇氣走近國王的寶座，謙卑的邀請國王與哈曼參加她為他們特設的宴席，在宴席結束時，以斯帖再度請求國王與哈曼蒞臨另一個宴席！以斯帖的智慧與適時的耽延讓上帝──這位最好的導演──安排了哈曼的退場。哈曼回家的時候，末底改正好在國王的殿門口，不覺倍受侮辱，於是下令立一個絞刑台，要及早處決末底改。就在這個時候，亞哈隨魯王夜不能眠，便讀史書設法入睡，卻驚訝的發現竟未報答末底改的救命之恩，遂命令哈曼引導國王的車隊尊榮末底改。哈曼帶著滿心的屈辱重赴以斯帖的宴席，席中她表明自己的祖籍，也揭發哈曼的陰謀，國王立刻指揮手下，把哈曼問吊於他為末底改準備的絞刑台上。

        這句話說得好：「驕傲永遠把「我」放在最前面。」沒有一個箴言比這個更真實了：「驕傲在敗壞以先」(箴16：18)。
        追溯一下哈曼因驕傲而踏上毀滅之途的經過。一開始他獲亞哈隨魯王真正的提陞(斯3：1可能是因為事主忠心)；隨後因他的官高厚祿而洋洋自得、傲慢不馴；最後竟自我膨脹得不可收拾！這是絞刑台的三部曲！
        箴言二十九章二十三節說：「人的高傲，必使他卑下，心裡謙遜的，必得尊榮」你生命中最近的一次擢升，造成你自吹自擂、自鳴得意的舞台在哪？切記，哈曼也落入痛苦的驕傲陷阱裡，請查考彼得前書五章六到七節，願這節經文今天引導你走下一步。

一個亞甲人的墓誌銘
        若在哈曼的墓碑上刻著「他死於自我中心」，恐怕是最恰當不過了。事實上，哈曼的墓誌銘已被發現收錄在猶太法典中，墓誌銘的意思是：「哈曼被咒詛，末底改蒙祝福！」

忍受驕傲不會造成消化不良！

English

        Esther boldly approaches the throne to ask a humble request: The king and Hainan are invited to a special banquet. At the conclusion of the festive occasion. Esther makes another petition: The king and Haman are invited to yet another banquet! Esther's wise and timely delay allows the Divine Director to stage Haman's exit. As Haman returns home, he is insulted by Mordecai's presence in the king's gate and orders gallows built for the speedy execution of Mordecai. Meanwhile, King Ahasuerus has trouble sleeping and tries to cure his insomnia by reading the court records. To his surprise he discovers the unrewarded kindness of Mordecai and orders Haman to lead the regal procession in Mordecai's honor. Thoroughly humiliated, Haman returns to Esther's banquet, where she reveals both her nationality and his treachery. The king directs his servants to hang Haman on the very gallows prepared for Mordecai.

        It has been well said: "Pride always demands that / be in the middle." And no truer proverb was ever spoken than this one: "Pride goeth before destruction" (Proverbs 16:18).
        Trace Haman's proud path to destruction. It began with a genuine promotion (perhaps for faithful service) by King Ahasuerus (3:1); it moved to boastful arrogance over his advancement; and it culminated in self-exaitation. Three steps to the gallows!
        Proverbs 29:23 cautions: "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit." Where has a recent promotion or achievement in your life set the stage for possible boasting, self-exaltation, and demotion? Haman fell into the painful trap of pride. Look up 1 Peter 5:6-7 and let it guide your next step today.

Epitaph for an Agagite —
        Etched into Haman's tombstone might well have been the words "He died of I trouble." An actual epitaph for Haman has been discovered in the collection of Jewish writings called the Talmud (Megillah 7b). It reads simply, "Cursed be Haman; blessed be Mordecai!"

Swallowing of pride seldom leads to indigestion.