¹³ But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.^(A)”

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(A) whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(B) whether living in plenty or in want.^(C)

¹⁴ I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.^(A)

Haman’s Rage Against Mordecai

⁹ Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage^(A) against Mordecai.^(B)

⁴ So Ahab went home, sullen and angry^(A) because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” He lay on his bed sulking and refused^(B) to eat.

⁵ His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are you so sullen? Why won’t you eat?”

⁶ He answered her, “Because I said to Naboth the Jezreelite, ‘Sell me your vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ But he said, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’”