Topical Bible: Wisdom of Joseph

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Wisdom of Joseph is a prominent theme in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is renowned for his extraordinary wisdom, which is evident in his ability to interpret dreams, his administrative acumen, and his moral integrity.

Early Life and Dreams

Joseph's wisdom is first manifested in his youthful dreams, which foreshadow his future rise to prominence. In Genesis 37:5-11, Joseph dreams of sheaves of grain and celestial bodies bowing to him, symbolizing his future authority over his family. These dreams, though initially a source of familial discord, reveal Joseph's divinely ordained role and his insight into God's plans.

Interpretation of Dreams

Joseph's ability to interpret dreams is a key aspect of his wisdom. While imprisoned in Egypt, Joseph accurately interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, as recorded in Genesis 40. His interpretations come to pass, establishing his reputation as a man endowed with divine insight. This gift reaches its pinnacle when Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams in Genesis 41:14-32, predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph attributes his ability to God, saying, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer" (Genesis 41:16).

Administrative Acumen

Joseph's wisdom is further demonstrated in his administrative skills. Appointed as the governor of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, Joseph devises a plan to store surplus grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the impending famine. His strategic foresight not only saves Egypt but also surrounding nations, including his own family, from starvation. Genesis 41:39-40 highlights Pharaoh's recognition of Joseph's wisdom: "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders."

Moral Integrity

Joseph's wisdom is also evident in his moral integrity, particularly in his dealings with Potiphar's wife. In Genesis 39, Joseph resists her advances, choosing to honor God and his master rather than succumb to temptation. His response, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9), reflects his deep understanding of righteousness and his commitment to God's standards.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness

Joseph's wisdom culminates in his approach to reconciliation with his brothers. After testing their character, Joseph reveals his identity and forgives them for selling him into slavery, recognizing God's providential hand in their actions. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph articulates a profound understanding of divine sovereignty: "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" .

Legacy

The Wisdom of Joseph serves as a testament to the power of divine guidance and the importance of faithfulness, integrity, and forgiveness. His life exemplifies how God can use an individual's wisdom to fulfill His purposes and bring about His plans for redemption and provision.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 41:16,25-39
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 7:10
And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

What Things Befell Joseph in Prison.
... 7. Hereupon the king wondered at the discretion and wisdom of Joseph; and asked
him by what means he might so dispense the foregoing plentiful crops in the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 what things befell.htm

Joseph
... will he have riches more real, and power more vast, than any which our English laws
can give; then will he gain, like Joseph, that moral wisdom, better than ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon vii joseph.htm

Joseph and his Brethren.
... years of famine. Pharaoh saw what great wisdom God had given Joseph, and
made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. The corn was ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/joseph and his brethren.htm

Chapter xliv
... But behind this discretion and the very practical wisdom of Joseph one involuntarily
feels the guiding hand of the good Lord, who gave success to a plan that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xliv.htm

The Brethren of Jesus.
... something diviner, inasmuch as He was, as they supposed, the son of Joseph and Mary ...
had not from education and teaching come to such a height of wisdom and power ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/17 the brethren of jesus.htm

Men Entrust their Safety Rather to a Just than to a Prudent Man. . ...
... Solomon is put before us simply for the sake of example, of whom it was eagerly
expected that his wisdom should be heard. 54. Joseph also when in prison was ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x men entrust their.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of ...
... Thus, as Joseph was exalted to power and glory after the period of his humiliation ...
to look upon," thus reminding us of Him who "increased in wisdom and stature ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 the fact of the.htm

And all the Methods I have Mentioned are Constantly Used by Nearly ...
... And, indeed, I do not know whether this figure of speech, by which Joseph is put ...
it composed by man's art and care, but it flowed forth in wisdom and eloquence ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 7 and all the.htm

How the Citizens were Enraged against Joseph on Account of the ...
... I will hold my tongue for thy sake: and let them see to it in their wisdom. ... And Joseph
seeing what Jesus had done, in a fury seized Him by the ear; and Jesus ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of thomas/chapter v how the citizens were.htm

The Wisdom of God
... (2.) The wisdom of God is seen in doing his work by that which to the eye of flesh
seems quite contrary. God intended to advance Joseph, and to make all his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 the wisdom of god.htm