[Esther]

Originally Posted by StMark

they were very well meaning though, Esther.
They abhored pride and wanted to do everything to avoid it.
I admire people who are trying to please the Lord even if they try a little too hard

Mark to a degree I agree with you, but when you get that far out in left field another spirit takes over.

When pride of humility enters it is as bad as pride of plenty.

I also think a door of control and power enter into the picture. Although the people abiding by the rules may have honest intentions, not so sure ALL the leaders did. May have started out that way, but I do not believe that God is into that kind of thing. He never indicated anywhere I saw that he liked having additional burdens put on His people.