08/06/2026
Joseph's integrity
Joseph provides a marvelous example of integrity in spite of tempting circumstances. Although the word integrity is not in any part of the story, his actions fulfilled the definition. It can be seen in two aspects of his life in Egypt.
The first demonstration of integrity extended over a period of approximately 40 years of his life. Hated and sold into slavery by his own brothers, he never took revenge on them even when the opportunity repeatedly appeared. In the middle of a severe famine, Jacob sent 10 of his sons to buy grain. Joseph recognized his brothers, tested them and gave them grain, with their money secretly hidden in each sack. He could have retaliated, but it was not in his character. Later he moved them to Egypt, supplied them with food, provided a separate area of land, and helped them get jobs.
Fifteen years later that integrity was still complete. After Jacob's death, the brothers feared retaliation. Joseph summarized the whole situation with these words: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20, NIV).
