Oops!

In order to appease Haman, it was his wife and “all his friends” who advised him to have gallows made on which to hang Mordecai – the Godly man who refused to bow to him.

”Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.“
‭‭Esther‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Thirteen verses later, these same friends are present as Haman relates the latest news. As they listen, it seems the tune has changed:

”And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.“
‭‭Esther‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

🫣Oops…uhhhh….actually…Haman, it looks like YOU are the one who is going to die.🫣

This incident, recorded in Esther, serves as a reminder of the need for frequent evaluation of our friendships. As Christians, we should choose close companions who will sharpen us in our relationship with the Lord.

”Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.“
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This sharpening will often involve hearing the truth even if it hurts. But, praise the Lord for friends who will love us enough to do so!

”He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.“ Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭23‬ ‭KJV

Far better to hear the truth from wise friends now and make necessary changes in our lives than to continue on in foolishness – only to hear an “Oops” down the road…and often too late.

”He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.“
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬