Wednesday 3 September 2014

Advice

After Queen Vashti refused to go the king, he couldn't make a decision himself without asking his advisors what to do. (He sent seven men - seven eunuchs, in fact - to fetch her; now he asks seven advisors. Seven is always a significant number in the Bible.)

"These men were very wise and understood all the laws and customs of the country, and the king always asked them what they thought about such matters." Esther 1:14

The advisors told him that the queen had not only insulted the king, showing disrespect, but that she had set a bad example for all wives throughout the kingdom.

"Before this day is over, the wives of the officials of Persia and Media will find out what Queen Vashti has done, and they will refuse to obey their husbands. They won't respect their husbands, and their husbands will be angry with them." Esther 1:18

True, really. We all look up to leaders, expecting them to model the behaviour we aspire to: just think of our celebrity culture of pop stars, actors, sports stars and young royals. Wasn't this wise advice? Doesn't it show them thinking of the consequences of Vashti's actions, disregarding the customs of the country?

Proverbs 14:8 says: "Wise people have enough sense to find their way, but stupid fools get lost."

Who was wise, here? Vashti was certainly told to 'get lost'! And the advisers were wise in their own way in their own times...but God has a better way: "We must look to God’s Word for true wisdom and discernment. We see in the New Testament that yes, wives are to respect their husbands but let’s not forget that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church.These men should have known better than to write such a law…forcing someone to obey you and show you respect never produces a healthy, loving relationship." 


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