After the queen fell out of favor with King Ahasuerus, a plan was enacted to find a replacement. When “many young ladies” were taken in order to see who might be chosen, Esther was among them (Esther 2:8).
After Esther’s father and mother died, she was raised by Mordecai (Esther 2:7). She was “beautiful in form and face” (Esther 2:7) and quickly “found favor” with the king’s servant who was in charge of the young women (Esther 2:9).
When the time came for the young women to take turns meeting the king, they were each permitted to take “anything that she desired…to the king’s palace” (Esther 2:13). This had the potential to help her stand out from the rest of the young women and distinguish her before the king. However, when it was Esther’s turn, “she did not request anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the women, advised” (Esther 2:15).
Despite her youth, Esther was wise enough to realize that Hegai’s insight was valuable. Rather than assuming she knew what was best for her (as the other young women surely did), she followed his suggestion. The result was that “the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen” (Esther 2:17).
So listen to advice. Others have knowledge and experience that can benefit us. Rather than arrogantly thinking we know what is best in every situation, let us take advantage of the help that others can offer.