Joseph’s life is a testimony to the power of purity, the pain of false accusation, and the providence of God through trials. When he was sold into slavery by his brothers, he was placed in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. There, Joseph was faced with a temptation that many would fall into, yet he stood firm. The account is recorded in Genesis 39, and it reveals not only the character of Joseph, but the character of God who honors faithfulness.
Joseph’s Temptation
Joseph had risen to a place of trust in Potiphar’s house. The Word says,
“The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian” (Genesis 39:2).
Potiphar saw the favor of God on Joseph, and made him overseer of all that he had. But along with promotion came temptation. The Bible does not shy away from this:
“Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, ‘Lie with me’” (Genesis 39:6–7).
This was not a one-time temptation. Verse 10 says,
“So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her…” (Genesis 39:10).
The enemy doesn’t always tempt once and leave. Joseph was pursued continually, yet he remained steadfast. He gave the reason why he would not give in:
“There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
Joseph didn’t view this as merely a sin against Potiphar or himself. He saw it for what it truly was—a sin against God. That’s the key to overcoming temptation. It’s not about how it affects us—it’s about how it offends our Lord.
Her Lies and His Imprisonment
When Joseph refused her advances, she became vindictive. One day, she grabbed his garment as he fled from her, and used it to frame him. The text says,
“Then she spoke to him with words like these, saying, ‘The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came in to me to mock me’” (Genesis 39:17).
Potiphar was furious and cast Joseph into prison. Though Joseph had done nothing wrong, he was punished unjustly. Yet the Scripture says,
“But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (Genesis 39:21).
Even in the dungeon, God’s hand was on him. Joseph was not forgotten by Heaven, though he was betrayed on earth.
Joseph’s Continued Faithfulness
In prison, Joseph could have turned bitter. But he remained faithful. When Pharaoh’s butler and baker were imprisoned, Joseph noticed their sadness. He asked,
“Why do you look so sad today?” (Genesis 40:7).
This shows a heart that still cared for others. Joseph interpreted their dreams through God’s wisdom. When the butler was restored, Joseph asked him to remember him. He said,
“Indeed I was stolen away from the land of the Hebrews; and also I have done nothing here that they should put me into the dungeon” (Genesis 40:15).
But the butler forgot. Two more years passed. Yet Joseph remained faithful. And when Pharaoh dreamed troubling dreams, Joseph was remembered and brought before the king.
God’s Providence and Joseph’s Promotion
Joseph gave the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, and all the glory went to God. He said,
“It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (Genesis 41:16).
Pharaoh exalted Joseph to the second highest position in Egypt. From prisoner to prince in a moment. And Joseph saw the purpose in it all when his brothers came for grain. He told them,
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).
What was meant to destroy Joseph became the very thing that delivered a nation. God’s plan was bigger than the pit, bigger than Potiphar’s wife, and bigger than the prison. God used it all.
My Final Thoughts
Temptation may come often. Lies may bring unjust suffering. Faithfulness may not be rewarded immediately. But the Lord is always present. Joseph’s testimony reminds us that purity matters, even when no one sees. That integrity is never wasted. That false accusation does not stop divine assignment. And that what man uses for harm, God can turn for good. Stay faithful. Honor God. Trust His timing.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
