9 Then Haman went out that day glad and pleased of heart ; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate and that he did not stand up or tremble before him, Haman was filled with anger against Mordecai . 10 Haman controlled himself, however, went to his house and sent for his friends and his wife Zeresh . 11 Then Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches , and the number of his sons , and every instance where the king had magnified him and how he had promoted him above the princes and servants of the king . 12 Haman also said , "Even Esther the queen let no one but me come with the king to the banquet which she had prepared ; and tomorrow also I am invited by her with the king . 13 "Yet all of this does not satisfy me every time I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Esther 5:9-13
Commentary on Esther 5:9-14
(Read Esther 5:9-14)
This account of Haman is a comment upon Proverbs 21:24. Self-admirers and self-flatterers are really self-deceivers. Haman, the higher he is lifted up, the more impatient he is of contempt, and the more enraged at it. The affront from Mordecai spoiled all. A slight affront, which a humble man would scarcely notice, will torment a proud man, even to madness, and will mar all his comforts. Those disposed to be uneasy, will never want something to be uneasy at. Such are proud men; though they have much to their mind, if they have not all to their mind, it is as nothing to them. Many call the proud happy, who display pomp and make a show; but this is a mistaken thought. Many poor cottagers feel far less uneasiness than the rich, with all their fancied advantages around them. The man who knows not Christ, is poor though he be rich, because he is utterly destitute of that which alone is true riches.