March 5

Esther 1:13-18

WISE ADVISERS TELL THE TRUTH
The king must have thought angrily to himself "I’m the king of this great empire. I’ve conquered lands and won wars. All the nobles and princes obey and fear me – but my wife, the queen, dares to defy me in front of everyone!"

When we get angry at someone, we often want others to support us in our anger and tell us that we are right even though we may not be. That’s what Ahasuerus did. He turned to his seven wise men, who were the top princes in the empire. He asked them, "What shall we do unto the queen Vashti..." Ahasuerus wasn’t asking for wise advice. He turned to people that he knew would take his side and support him in his anger.

How about you dear child? When someone doesn’t agree with your bad behaviour or wrong choices, do you get o ended and become angry? There are times when I get angry when others point out my faults and sins. I become angry because I don’t like to be told I am wrong. Have you felt the same way before? Like Ahasuerus, do we surround ourselves with people who will make us feel better by lying to us that we’re right? The Bible tells us in Proverbs 27:6:

   Faithful are the w _________   
   of a friend; 

 but the k _________
of an enemy are deceitful.

Those who atter you and don’t tell you the truth about your sins are not true friends; they may even be enemies. True friends are those who care enough to point out your faults and sins. e truth may hurt initially, but they are faithful wounds intended to save you from falling deeper in sin and to help you get right with God again. ank God for such friends!

Thought: Which type of friend or adviser do you want in life?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for good Christian friends who can give wise advice and tell me when I’m wrong. Help me to be humble when my sins are pointed out, that I may live a life that is pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.