In this chapter, Solomon lists several proverbs regarding wisdom and folly. We must learn to heed the cautions given in these proverbs.

Imagine being a Jew in Shushan during the time we are studying. The uncertainty many must have felt. Too often when we are in bad situations, we forget God is still in control of all. Many today are living in complete fear. Unfortunately, there are many Christians as well who are paralyzed by fear. This chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God in a very concise way. We must learn to trust God who is in control of all.

Solomon gives an illustration of how little true wisdom is appreciated. It would seem the world would flock to hear a wise man. But that is not always the case. We must understand godly wisdom is not appreciated by the world.

Imagine being a Jew in Shushan during the time we are studying. The uncertainty many must have felt. Too often when we are in bad situations, we forget God is still in control of all. Many today are living in complete fear. Unfortunately, there are many Christians as well who are paralyzed by fear. This chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God in a very concise way. We must learn to trust God who is in control of all.

Solomon states the importance of obedience in this passage. It is important for us to obey the king. While we do not have a king in our country, the principles still apply for our obedience to the government. More importantly, we can apply the principles to our obedience to God. We must determine to obey the King.

Esther has now had the king and Haman to a banquet and requested the presence of both on the following day for another banquet. While we do not know all the reasons for Esther's delay in telling the king her request, we do know God had a plan to destroy Haman. The passage we will examine gives us the events that transpired after the banquet from Haman's perspective. He leaves the banquet feeling high and mighty until he goes by the gate and sees Mordecai. He goes home and rehearses the recent events to his wife and friends. Haman is a man that is filled with pride. We must learn that pride brings destruction.

This chapter ends with Solomon reflecting on how his search for wisdom apart from God failed. Remember must of this book is written from the perspective of under the sun. Solomon shows us here the path of his departure from Godly wisdom and the end results. We must determine to apply Godly wisdom to all of life.

Esther has found out about the plan to kill the Jews . Initially, she was not willing to go to the king., but when challenged by Mordecai, she decides to call a three day fast and then go to the king. Here in chapter five the three day fast is over and she goes. We must learn to trust God for His timing and wisdom.

In this message, I want us to see the need to apply wisdom to our speech. Often when we hear something, we are quick to judge and react to what we heard. We need to stop and consider our answer before responding. We must apply proper wisdom when speaking with others.

We have already examined Mordecai and the Jews weeping and mourning the decree that was signed. Esther sent raiment to Mordecai so he could remove the sackcloth, but he refused. Esther now enquires why, and this is where we will continue in the message. In this message, we will see that Mordecai and Esther going from weeping to action. We must determine to do right no matter the cost.