Amazing Story of Joseph
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the decision of the moment. Would Joseph be true to God? With
inexpressible anxiety, angels looked upon the scene.
Joseph’s answer reveals the power of religious principle. He would
not betray the confidence of his master on earth, and, whatever the
consequences, he would be true to his Master in heaven. Joseph’s first
thought was of God. “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin
against God?” he said.
Let the young ever remember that wherever they are and whatever
they do, they are in the presence of God. No part of our conduct
escapes observation. We cannot hide our ways from the Most High.
To every deed there is an unseen witness. Every act, every word, every
thought is as distinctly marked as though there were only one person
in the whole world.
Joseph suffered for his integrity. His tempter revenged herself by
causing him to be thrust into prison. Had Potiphar believed his wife’s
charge against Joseph, the young Hebrew would have lost his life;
but the modesty and uprightness that had characterized his conduct
were proof of his innocence. Yet to save the reputation of his master’s
house, he was abandoned to disgrace and bondage.
At first Joseph was treated with great severity by his jailers. The
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psalmist says, “His feet they hurt with fetters; he was laid in chains of
iron: until the time that his word came to pass; the word of the Lord
tried him.”
Psalm 105:18, 19
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Joseph in Prison
But Joseph’s real character shone even in the dungeon. His years
of faithful service had been most cruelly repaid, yet this did not render
him morose or distrustful. He had peace and trusted his case with God.
He did not brood upon his own wrongs, but forgot his sorrow in trying
to lighten the sorrows of others. He found a work to do, even in the
prison. God was preparing him in the school of affliction for greater
usefulness, and he did not refuse the needful discipline. He learned
lessons of justice, sympathy, and mercy that prepared him to exercise
power with wisdom and compassion.
Joseph gradually gained the confidence of the keeper of the prison
and was finally entrusted with the charge of all the prisoners. The part
he acted in the prison—integrity and sympathy for those in trouble and