What biblical principles counter the brothers' actions in Genesis 37:20? Setting the Scene: Genesis 37:20 “Now then, come, let us kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns; and we can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we will see what becomes of his dreams.” Principle 1: The Sanctity of Life—“You shall not murder” • Exodus 20:13: “You shall not murder.” • 1 John 3:15 warns that hatred itself is the seed of murder. • Life is God-given; taking it is an assault on the Creator. Principle 2: Love Seeks Another’s Good, Not Harm • Romans 13:10: “Love does no wrong to its neighbor.” • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 paints love as patient, kind, not envious or boastful. • The brothers’ plan was fueled by envy, the very opposite of godly love. Principle 3: Root Out Envy Before It Bears Deadly Fruit • James 3:16: “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.” • Proverbs 14:30: “A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” • God calls us to celebrate another’s favor, not resent it. Principle 4: Speak Truth, Reject Deception • Exodus 20:16: “You shall not bear false witness.” • Proverbs 12:22: “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.” • Their plotted lie about a wild animal compounded the sin of violence. Principle 5: Leave Vengeance to God • Romans 12:19: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but leave room for God’s wrath.” • 1 Peter 3:9: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.” • God alone judges dreams and destinies; human hands must not seize that role. Principle 6: Protect, Rather Than Hinder, God’s Purposes • Psalm 105:17-19 shows God using Joseph’s trials to fulfill His word. • Jeremiah 29:11 assures that the Lord’s plans are “plans for welfare and not calamity.” • When we oppose God’s work in someone’s life, we set ourselves against His sovereign will. Living It Today • Choose life—value every person as image-bearer of God. • Cultivate gratitude to suffocate jealousy. • Commit to truth-telling, even when a lie seems easier. • Trust God with justice, resisting every impulse to retaliate. • Celebrate, rather than sabotage, the dreams God plants in others. |
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