14
"Many people become increasingly arrogant when honors are given to them and favors are done for them.
15
They do not know what to do with so much good fortune, so they not only try to harm our subjects, but they even scheme against those who grant them favors.
16
They are never grateful for what people do for them, and they even think they can escape the judgment of God, who hates evil and sees everything. In their arrogance they listen to the flattery of ignorant, sinful people. %0
17
"It often happens also that friends who have been entrusted with administrative responsibilities exert pressure on those in authority. They make their leaders their partners in killing people and bring about misfortunes that can never be remedied.
18
These friends, by their lies and deceitful ways, take advantage of the good will of their rulers. %0
19
"You can see examples of this misuse of power not only in the stories that have been handed down to us from the past, but in the more recent outrageous things which have happened among you. %0
20
"I intend to make sure that in the future my kingdom will remain untroubled and peaceful for all people.
21
This can be done by changing certain policies and by judging fairly each situation that comes to my attention. %0
22
"Consider, for example, the case of Haman son of Hammedatha, a Macedonian. He is a foreigner with no Persian blood and with no trace of my generosity; but I welcomed him,
23
and he received the benefit of my concern and love for all people. He was, in fact, proclaimed "Father' of the empire and received more honor than anyone else, except the king. %0
24
"But his arrogance knew no limits, and he tried to murder me and take over the empire.