Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionPrudence, a virtue characterized by wisdom, foresight, and careful judgment, is exemplified in the biblical narrative of Joseph, particularly in his management of Egypt's resources during a time of impending famine. Joseph's account, found in the Book of Genesis, highlights his journey from being sold into slavery by his brothers to becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt. His prudence is most notably displayed in his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and the subsequent administrative actions he takes to safeguard Egypt's future. Joseph's Rise to Power Joseph's prudence is first evident in his ability to interpret dreams, a gift that ultimately leads to his rise in Egypt. After being wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph is called upon to interpret Pharaoh's troubling dreams. Pharaoh dreams of seven healthy cows being devoured by seven gaunt cows and seven plump ears of grain being swallowed by seven thin ears. Joseph, attributing his ability to God, explains that the dreams foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine (Genesis 41:25-30). Strategic Planning and Administration Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint a discerning and wise man to oversee the land of Egypt. He suggests collecting a fifth of the produce during the seven years of abundance to store for the years of famine (Genesis 41:33-36). Impressed by Joseph's insight and recognizing the Spirit of God in him, Pharaoh appoints Joseph as the governor over Egypt, granting him authority second only to Pharaoh himself (Genesis 41:39-41). Joseph's prudence is further demonstrated in his meticulous execution of the plan. He travels throughout Egypt, organizing the collection and storage of grain in various cities. The abundance is so great that the grain is described as being like the sand of the sea, beyond measure (Genesis 41:48-49). Joseph's foresight ensures that Egypt is well-prepared for the impending crisis. Impact of Joseph's Prudence When the famine eventually strikes, it affects not only Egypt but also the surrounding regions. Due to Joseph's prudent management, Egypt becomes a source of sustenance for many, including Joseph's own family, who come seeking food (Genesis 41:54-57). Joseph's actions not only preserve the nation of Egypt but also play a crucial role in the unfolding of God's plan for the Israelites. Moral and Spiritual Dimensions Joseph's prudence is deeply rooted in his faith and trust in God. Throughout his trials, Joseph remains steadfast, attributing his successes to divine guidance. His ability to discern and act wisely is portrayed as a result of his relationship with God, who grants him understanding and favor. Joseph's account serves as a testament to the importance of prudence, not only in practical affairs but also in spiritual obedience and reliance on God's wisdom. Conclusion Joseph's prudence in the affairs of Egypt is a profound example of how wisdom, foresight, and careful planning can lead to the preservation and prosperity of a nation. His account underscores the significance of prudence as a virtue that is both practical and deeply spiritual, reflecting a life lived in alignment with God's purposes. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 41:33-57Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Nave's Topical Index Library What Things Befell Joseph in Prison. The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt There are Three Things to be Noticed in the Actions of Our Life. . ... His Name --The Counsellor Our Attitude Toward his Sovereignty Of Civil Government. Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History. Homilies on the Statues. Resources What are the seven cardinal virtues? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a husbandman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about common sense? | GotQuestions.org Prudence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prudence in Avoiding his Enemies Prudence in Charging Those Who Were Healed not to "Advertise" his Miracles Prudence in Circumcising Timothy Prudence in Performing Temple Rites Prudence in Turning the Jewish Sects Against Each Other Prudence in Walking "No Longer Openly" Prudence of the Wicked: Defeated by God Prudence of the Wicked: Denounced by God Prudence of the Wicked: Fails in Times of Perplexity Prudence of the Wicked: Keeps Them from the Knowledge of the Gospel Prudence of the Wicked: Necessity For-Illustrated Prudence: Abigail, in Averting David's Anger Prudence: Achish, in Dismissing David Prudence: Aged Counsellors of Rehoboam Prudence: Avoiding Suspicion in Administering the Gifts of the Congregations Prudence: Certain Elders of Israel Prudence: David, in his Conduct Toward Saul Prudence: David, in Overthrowing Ahithophel's Shrewd Advice Prudence: Elijah, in his Escape from Jezebel Prudence: Exemplified by Christ Prudence: Exhibited in the Manifestation of God's Grace Prudence: General Scriptures Concerning Prudence: Going to the Feast Secretly Prudence: Intimately Connected With Wisdom Prudence: Jacob, in his Conduct Toward Esau Prudence: Jacob, Toward his Sons, After Dinah's Defilement Prudence: Jehoram, in Suspecting a Syrian Stratagem Prudence: Jethro's Advice to Moses Prudence: Joseph, in his Conduct Toward Mary Prudence: Joseph, in the Affairs of Egypt Prudence: Nehemiah, in Conduct of Affairs at Jerusalem Prudence: Paul and Barnabas, in Escaping Persecution Prudence: Paul and Silas, in Escaping from Berea Prudence: Peter, in Escaping from Herod Agrippa I Prudence: Saints should Especially Exercise, in Their Intercourse With Prudence: Saul, in not Killing the Jabesh-Gileadites Prudence: The Israelites, in the Threatened War With the Two and One-Half Tribes Prudence: The Town Clerk of Ephesus, in Averting a Riot Prudence: The Wise Celebrated For Prudence: The Young should Cultivate Prudence: They Who Have are Preserved by It Prudence: They Who Have: Crowned With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Deal With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Foresee and Avoid Evil Prudence: They Who Have: Get Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Keep Silence in the Evil Time Prudence: They Who Have: Look Well to Their Goings Prudence: They Who Have: Not Ostentatious of Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Regard Reproof Prudence: They Who Have: Suppress Angry Feelings Prudence: They Who Have: Understand the Ways of God Prudence: They Who Have: Understand Their own Ways Prudence: Virtuous Wives Act With Related Terms |
    |