Esther 5:9

Then went Haman forth that day joyful

The superficial man

I. Haman’s gladness. It arose--

1. From a false estimation of himself.

2. From a false estimate of his position.

II. Haman’s use of his eyes. He saw, but not correctly. Pride casts a film over the mental vision. Prejudice lessens the power of vision. Green-eyed jealousy cannot see correctly. He could not see that stubbornness rightly read meant integrity of purpose.

III. Haman’s consequent change of state. A false use of the eyes has its penalties. No faculty can be perverted without bringing retribution.

IV. Haman’s power of self-control. The power of self-control is not to be despised, but the power of self-conquest is a nobler achievement.

V. Haman’s resource in trouble. It is observable how many bad men have attached themselves to wives who have stuck to them in all circumstances. (W. Burrows, B. A.)

Joy from meagre sources

There is much joy among the children of men which arises from very meagre sources, much joy the loss of which would be better than its possession. (J. Hughes.)

Short-lived gladness

That day was the last of his gladness; next morning’s sun should not set before all his glory was laid in the dust. Nay, that very day, and that very moment when it was most buoyant, his joy was destined to suffer a dash from which it would never completely recover. (T. McCrie.)

The last tomorrow

Be not so cruel as speak to him of to-morrow! Let the wicked enjoy their bright to-day--it is the only bright to-day which they will ever have. Yes, to-morrow! Let worldly men fear and prepare for their last to.morrow! “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy. (T. McEwan.)