Joseph's Arguments Against Sin
Bp. Babington. Genesis 39:9-12 There is none greater in this house than I; neither has he kept back any thing from me but you, because you are his wife… Joseph abhorred such impiety, and with most good and godly arguments repelleth the temptation. 1. The first drawn from ingratitude and unfaithfulness. As if he should have said, being trusted as I am, and preferred in my master's house as I am, it were the greatest unfaithfulness, and the foulest ingratitude that might be, in this sort to requite my master's favours, and so great favours towards me. Therefore I may not do it; for I abhor to be unfaithful where I am trusted, or unthankful where I am regarded and done for. Here then is a servant of servants, if we think of our days, here is a jewel more worth than gold, and a pearl of price for a man's house; faithful and thankful, what wish we more. 2. His second argument is drawn from the marriage knot that ought to hold till death doth part. A married woman must have a married mind, that as her body by orderly course is appropriated unto one, so her mind must be also to the same, and to none other. 3. His third argument is drawn from the nature of the sin, it is a great wickedness to touch another man's wife; and as all wickedness should be abhorred. So great wickedness greatly abhorred. 4. His last argument is drawn from the love of God. Thus should I sin, saith he, against God, which how may I do? As if he should have said, I love God who hath ever loved me, and my love admitteth no such requital. Many and many are the sweet mercies that I have found at His hand, if I should tell all, and how then should I sin against Him? (Bp. Babington.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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? WEB: He isn't greater in this house than I, neither has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"