Temptation has confounded mankind’s efforts to make wise decisions from the very beginning.  Temptation seems to complicate everything, confounding our ability to consider our options, identify consequences and to emerge on the other side having made that wise decision.  Temptation is a reality that is common to man and as such learning how to make wise decisions in light of that reality is critical.  Joseph faced just that situation.  He finally landed in a pretty good situation.  He was working for a powerful man, was in charge of all of his household and all of a sudden Potiphar’s wife invited Joseph into her bed and Joseph is faced with a decision.  For Joseph, the situation would eventually leave him with no other option but to run away.

In contrast, look at the case study of Tiger Woods and his exploits that have been all over the news since last Thanksgiving. Tiger Woods talks about feeling entitled and that the standards that apply to everyone else somehow did not apply to him. Because of privilege, fame and money Tiger constantly had women who were more than willing, throwing themselves at him and in the face of that sort of temptation; he cheated on his wife and ruined his reputation.  Joseph chose to run away and Tiger gave in.

Here are some questions for you as a family to think about as you talk about this topic:

1. What do you imagine is running through Joseph’s brain in the midst of Potiphar’s wife’s seduction?

2. How vulnerable do you think Joseph is to this type of temptation? He resists, but how difficult of a struggle can we imagine that this is for him?

3. In what ways does temptation have an ability to determine our choices?

4. Genesis 39:10 says that she “spoke to Joseph day after day”. How does temptation have a way of wearing us down? How much harder is it to make wise decisions when we are facing temptation day after day?

5. I Corinthians 10;13 says, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” What are some of the “ways out” that you think God provides?

Tags: temptation, wisdom, WizDumb