THE WISE KING PHARAOH

 

It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice.

Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, though he has been in prison.

                     —Ecclesiastes 4:13-14

        

The story of Joseph is one that rings loudly through the ages, how he went from prison cell to prime minister; but the story of that Pharaoh is hardly said, or his wisdom as greatly lauded.

 Here was a man who recognised the value of wisdom, and couldn't care less about the background of the man— the foreigner— to whom he entrusted his kingdom. But he also did something that struck me: he spelled out clearly the boundaries of Joseph's rule. He gave Joseph authority over all except him; Joseph had authority over everything, but he was still subject to the king. This is wisdom indeed.

So, this raises a peculiar question to us, how we behave when in authority. Do we only seek that our will be done or yield to one with better insight? Or do we look at the background of a man to judge his capacity? Pharaoh was a king who made his own decisions, and was wise enough (even humble enough) to recognise great insight. He didn't sit on the idea or claim the glory, but let the man who gave insight implement his vision. 

Yes, Joseph was a man who feared the Lord, even in a strange land, he didn't go to Rome and behave as the Romans did. No, the standards of God remained the same for him everywhere, that's why he was able to resist the wife of his master, Potiphar, and why even in prison, his gift remained and his dream never died, even though it took many years.

In all, let us remember the story of Joseph, and also honour the wisdom of a wise king Pharaoh.

                              Iyanu