The Destructive Power Of Anger

Esther went to the king (v. 1), and requested if Haman could be invited to a banquet (v. 4). During the feast, she told the king that she wanted both of them to attend another banquet the following day (v. 8). Haman felt so honored and left “joyful and with a glad heart” (v. 9). On his way out, he noticed that Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, did not stand up or move when he passed by. Mordecai was still showing his prior insubordination (Est 3:2), which caused Haman to be filled with indignation or extreme anger filled with contempt! Leaders must possess good self-control (1 Cor 9:27).

 Those who are slow to anger are “better than the mighty” (Prov 16:32). Angry people act and say the most foolish things and later regret them (Ecc 7:9). Therefore, we must learn to control our anger “and forsake wrath” (Ps 37:8). Unless it controls us and lead to our own destruction (Prov 14:17). Haman’s indignation resulted in him being hanged “on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai” (Est 7:10). Sadly, we see this type of foolish attitudes on many young people today (1 Cor 15:33). They get angry at their parents or other authority figures (Col 3:20). Then they make horrible decisions out of anger; like running away from home, because they did not get what they want (Gal 5:19).

 They end up being homeless, drug addicts, alcoholics, getting pregnant, or fathering an unwanted child (Job 5:2). A similar situation is true amongst adults who quit church or stop serving God, because they got offended at the Pastor or someone else that hurt their feelings (Prov 18:19). Haman reaped the “rod of his anger” (Prov 22:8), upon himself. We must put away anger (Eph 4:31). Otherwise, the only person that anger would truly hurt the most is the person who is consumed by it! God bless you!

-Pastor Melito Barrera