Read Esther 2:1-18

“And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her.”
—Esther 2:15

The young woman Esther had found herself in a position of unbelievable opportunity. Of all the women that King Xerxes had sought to take for the position of Queen, he had found Esther to be the most favorable. As a result, the crown was placed upon her head (see verse 17).

What was it, we might ask, that attracted King Xerxes to Esther? Certainly she was a beautiful young woman, but physical beauty alone could not have qualified Esther for such an important role.

The Proverbs humorously tell us:

“As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout,
So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion.”
(Proverbs 11:22)

Instead, we see that Esther’s beauty and attractiveness were underpinned by something greater that does not fade away. She adorned herself with discretion, humility and chastity. Even though she had been given “beauty arrangements” according to the custom of the Persians, Esther requested nothing but the minimum (see verse 15). By this, Esther had obtained favor from the King, and even “from all who saw her”. Her beauty was an objective quality about her recognized by all, not just a subjective angle recognized by a few.

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.”
(Proverbs 31:30)

As we may well know, because of Esther’s godly character the Lord was able to use her in her position to save the Jewish people of certain genocide (see Esther 8).

But we must not think that these are feminine qualities alone, for we also see the same characteristics of discretion, humility and chastity found in our Lord Jesus Christ. “I am gentle and lowly in heart”, Christ says, and because of this our Lord grew up amongst us as one who:

“…increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
(Luke 2:52)

We must learn this principle as Christ’s disciples. In the Kingdom of God, your stature is measured by meekness and your glory is estimated by humility. Remember —

“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.””
(James 4:6)

Today, as you live your life and engage in the opportunities set before you, be sure not to pursue them for vanity and glory as the world does. Instead, seek to obtain favor with God and men through the godliness we see in Esther, and ultimately found in our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34)

“When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)

“By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)