Moral Integrity vs. Biblical Paradoxes: A Closer Look
In this article, you will learn how Genesis 39:9 contradicts Genesis 20:12, 1 Kings 11:3, 2 Samuel 11:4, Judges 16:17, Proverbs 7:18-19, Hosea 1:2, 2 Corinthians 12:10 and Matthew 4:1-3. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In the story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife, found in Genesis 39:9, we witness Joseph's unwavering resolve to uphold his moral principles. He firmly refuses the advances of his master's wife, conscious of the wrongdoing and the displeasure it would cause God. This narrative highlights themes of integrity, loyalty, and resistance to temptation.
However, as profound as Joseph's story is, the Bible presents a tapestry of complex human behaviors and divine instructions that sometimes stand in stark contrast. For instance, Genesis 20:12 reveals Abraham's startling admission that Sarah is his sister, which raises questions about truth and honesty. This seems to contradict Joseph's standard of integrity.
Similarly, in 1 Kings 11:3, Solomon's multitude of wives lead him astray—a sharp contrast to Joseph's resistance to the temptations of Potiphar's wife. David’s infamous encounter with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11:4 further highlights this contradiction, as God's chosen king falls into adultery, in stark contrast to Joseph's steadfast refusal.
Samson's story in Judges 16:17, where he reveals his secret to Delilah leading to his downfall, emphasizes the peril of succumbing to temptation. Joseph, in contrast, keeps his integrity intact. Proverbs 7:18-19 paints a vivid scene of seduction—a direct antithesis to Joseph's rejection of immoral advances.
In Hosea 1:2, we encounter God's command to Hosea to marry an adulterous woman, challenging conventional concepts of purity and righteousness. Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 12:10 about finding strength in weakness presents another form of contradiction to Joseph’s moral strength.
Lastly, while Jesus overcoming temptation in Matthew 4:1-3 parallels Joseph’s story, it comes from a divine context rather than a human struggle. These diverse narratives prompt us to ponder the wider biblical understanding of morality and human fallibility. What do these contradictions reveal about our understanding of righteousness and ethical living?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Genesis 39:9 | [There is] none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou [art] his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? |
| 2. | Genesis 20:12 | And yet indeed [she is] my sister; she [is] the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. |
| 3. | 1 Kings 11:3 | And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. |
| 4. | 2 Samuel 11:4 | And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. [for she...: or, and when she had purified herself, etc, she returned] |
| 5. | Judges 16:17 | That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I [have been] a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any [other] man. |
| 6. | Proverbs 7:18-19 | Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. |
| 7. | Hosea 1:2 | The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, [departing] from the LORD. |
| 8. | 2 Corinthians 12:10 | Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. |
| 9. | Matthew 4:1-3 | Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. |