Esther 2:20—“Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.”
Esther had become queen of Persia, yet her exalted position did not cause her to despise the godly counsel of Mordecai, who had raised her as his own daughter. According to his earlier instruction, she had not revealed her Jewish identity. The reason for this concealment is not fully explained, but within God’s providence it prepared the way for Esther’s later intervention on behalf of her people.
The verse especially commends Esther’s continuing teachability. Though she now possessed royal honour and influence, she still obeyed Mordecai “like as when she was brought up with him.” Prosperity had not made her proud or independent. She remembered the faithful care she had received and continued to respect the one who had guided her from childhood.
Scripture repeatedly associates wisdom with a willingness to receive counsel: “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction” (Proverbs 13:1). This obedience, however, is never absolute. Human authority must always remain under God’s Word. Yet where counsel is lawful and wise, humility gladly receives it.
Esther’s hidden identity also displays God’s sovereign providence. Neither Esther nor Mordecai could yet see the full purpose, but the Lord was arranging circumstances for the deliverance of His covenant people.
Believers should not allow advancement, education, success, or influence to produce pride. Those whom God raises up must remain humble, grateful, and teachable. True maturity does not reject wise counsel; it receives it while trusting God to unfold His purposes in His appointed time.
