One of the most familiar stories in the Old Testament is the story of Joseph. The favorite of the twelve sons of Jacob is best known for the coat of many colors given to him by his father.

Jacob’s gift of the coat to his son was the beginning of Joseph’s troubles. Because his father favored him, his brothers hated him and eventually sold him into slavery to a band of Ishmaelites.

Joseph was taken to Egypt where he became a servant in the house of Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh’s guard. Even as a servant, he prospered, being placed in the position of overseer of Potiphar’s house.

The story goes that Joseph took care of everything in Potiphar’s house, and he was well-liked by everyone.

One person in Potiphar’s house liked Joseph a little too much–Potiphar’s wife. She began to pressure him to engage in a sexual relationship with her.

We know that Joseph refused her advances, but she accused him of trying to force himself on her. Potiphar believed her lies and had Joseph thrown in prison.

There are some valuable lessons to be learned from this story found in Genesis 39. What we learn from Potiphar’s wife is not good, but Joseph offers an example of godliness and purity.

First, Mrs. Potiphar was a determined woman, determined to commit adultery. She made no effort to hide her plan. She boldly looked at Joseph and said, “Lie with me” (Genesis 39:7 ESV). She didn’t beat around the bush; she made her intentions clear.

Verse 10 says, “And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her”. She was constant in her seductive ways, giving Joseph no rest from the temptation.

Finally one day she took advantage of their being in the house alone. With determination, “she caught him by his garment, saying, ‘Lie with me’” (verse 12). Joseph pulled away from her and left his garment in her hands. Of course, she used the garment as “proof” to the men of her household and her husband that Joseph had tried to attack her.

Second, Mrs. Potiphar gave no thought to lying about an innocent man. After all, he was just a servant. Since she couldn’t have her way, she decided to see that he lost his position and put his life in jeopardy.

“And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison” (Genesis 39:20). He could just have easily been killed.

Third, Mrs. Potiphar gave no thought to the sanctity of her marriage. This handsome young servant was available in her house day after day, and her desire for him was greater than her commitment to her husband.

The lessons we learn from Potiphar’s wife are:

• Don’t be guilty of the seductive temptation, not through looks, words, dress, or any behavior not becoming a Christian woman.
• Don’t lie.
• Be faithful to your spouse.
• Don’t desire that which is not yours to have.

Joseph, too, provides us with some truly valuable lessons. His resistance to temptations was truly admirable.

First, Joseph must have been well taught by his father and mother. Though they had not yet been given the Ten Commandments and the other laws later given to the Jews, God had certainly given them some instructions about their behavior.

We know they had instructions about worship and daily living. Joseph’s commitment to a pure life indicates he knew God would not have been pleased with an adulterous relationship.

Second, Joseph resisted the temptations offered by this woman on a daily basis. His answer to her advances is found in Genesis 39:8-9. “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”

Third, Joseph recognized that the sin she was asking him to commit was against God. He was concerned about his master, but he was more concerned about God.

None of us are above temptation. It is there at every turn, every day. Paul said, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (First Corinthians 10:13).

The lessons we learn from Joseph will serve us well no matter who we are:

• Teach your children and your grandchildren the way to live, and study God’s Word so you will know you are teaching them the truth.
• Be alert to temptation. The devil is always looking for us to let down our guard.
• Know that when we sin, we sin against our Heavenly Father. We sin against the One who sacrificed His Son for our sins.

James makes it simple for us. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 KJV).

 Sandra Oliver