Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” Genesis 41:16 ESV
The younger version of Joseph was cocky and arrogant. And because he knew his father would believe his words, he was not being honest with him. In Genesis 37:2 he brings his father a bad report about his brothers. Scriptures did not say an accurate report, it says he brings him a bad report. He might be actually telling them a portion of the truth, but only the portion that makes his brothers look bad. And when you try to make others look bad, it is another way of making you look good before your father. If he gave Jacob an accurate report. that could have been acceptable, reporting the things that are done well, and those that are not. Commending the ones that needs commendation and reprimand those that deserve it. But then again, we read that by giving a bad report he was trying to male himself look better... then back to the Genesis 41:16. When Pharaoh just commended him as a person who can readily interpret dreams, he immediate corrected it and pointed to God. Making himself look good is no longer what he is aspiring for. Pushing himself in front is no longer the issue. Joseph was past getting credit for himself and making others look bad. He understood that in the past years. It was the presence of God that brought him success. Not his skills, ability, looks, Knowing this made him realize pushing himself forward won't do any good. If God will have His way, He will have His way. Promotion does not come when we try to push ourselves to look good and make others look bad. Promotion comes from the Lord. 14 January
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