Gen 39:7-12 | MHM | STEP | Genesis 39:7-12: Joseph Resists Temptation This passage describes how Joseph faces a very difficult test while working in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar’s wife tries to tempt Joseph to do wrong, but Joseph refuses her day after day. He chooses to honor God and his master instead of giving in to sin. Joseph’s firm stand shows the power of faith and the importance of keeping a pure heart, even when no one else is watching (Genesis 39:7-12 ). v. 7 : Potiphar’s wife notices Joseph’s good looks and tries to tempt him by asking him to lie with her. Her sin begins in her eyes, showing how dangerous it is to let our eyes and thoughts wander in the wrong direction (Job 31:1 ).

‏ Genesis 39:7-12

Genesis 39:7-12: Joseph Resists Temptation

This passage describes how Joseph faces a very difficult test while working in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar’s wife tries to tempt Joseph to do wrong, but Joseph refuses her day after day. He chooses to honor God and his master instead of giving in to sin. Joseph’s firm stand shows the power of faith and the importance of keeping a pure heart, even when no one else is watching (Genesis 39:7-12 ^a).

v. 7: Potiphar’s wife notices Joseph’s good looks and tries to tempt him by asking him to lie with her. Her sin begins in her eyes, showing how dangerous it is to let our eyes and thoughts wander in the wrong direction (Job 31:1 ^b).

v. 8: Joseph refuses and explains that his master trusts him with everything in the house. He respects Potiphar and will not betray his trust .

v. 9: Joseph says, "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" He knows that this sin would not only hurt his master and himself, but would also be a sin against God. Joseph calls the act what it really is—great wickedness (Genesis 39:9; Romans 7:13 ^c).

v. 10: Potiphar’s wife tempts Joseph day after day, but he keeps refusing. He does not even want to be near her. Joseph shows us that it is wise to avoid situations where we could be tempted .

v. 11: One day, Joseph comes to do his work, and no other servants are in the house. This gives Potiphar’s wife a chance to try once more to tempt Joseph.

v. 12: She grabs his garment and again asks him to lie with her. Joseph quickly leaves his garment in her hand and runs away. He would rather lose his coat than lose his good conscience. This teaches us to flee from temptation without delay .