Eagles do not compete with sparrows. They fly in their lofty ways in the sky. However, humans could be selfish and petty-minded and be mean to others. Haman is a classic example in the Bible. “Then Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one, but me, come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow, I am also invited by her together with the king. Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.” (Esther 5:12-13)
Contentment: Though Haman the Agagite was exalted to a high position in the country under the rulership of Ahasuerus, he was not content. (Esther 3:1) He was invited for a private dinner with only the king as the other invitee. He enjoyed an exalted position, great wealth, wife, sons, slaves, power and authority. But he refused to be satisfied with these.
Dignity: He held the highest office, but did not have the dignity and grace that is required for that position. Pettiness, parochialism, and egoism dominated his life. Assuming himself to be like god, he saw others as slaves and even as sub-human beings, who should
Abuse of power: It is good if the rulers use their power to bring justice, punish the wicked, and bring peace to all citizens. (I Peter 2:14; Romans 13:4). Sadly, Haman wanted to use power to destroy not only those who do not respect him, but also their own race. For him, punishing just one man was below his dignity and status.
Hypocrite: However, he presented himself as custodian of the welfare of the empire and the emperor. And he sponsored the expenses for the state-sponsored genocide. (Esther 3:8-9)
Whole race: His ego was not massaged by Mordecai, and it hurt him that he did not show respect. And there were cronies around him, who provoked him to act against Mordecai.
Repentance? Haman wanted his life spared by Esther, a worldly sorrow. But did not repent of his pride, arrogance, hatred, and murderous intentions. (II Corinthians 7:10)
Am I clothed with pride, arrogance, and selfishness?