Daily a new Bible text for devotion - EZBB

Genesis 41:33-36

Pharaoh's dream was, in fact, a revelation from God. He received it but could not understand it. He was like someone who reads the Bible but needs the help of a man or woman of God to understand it.

The dream came to Pharaoh twice because the matter had already been decided by God; Joseph saw God's confirmation in the repetition of the dream.

Pharaoh should now look for a discerning and wise man: Up to this point, Joseph had imparted knowledge to Pharaoh, telling him what would happen as revealed in the dreams which were a message from God. Now, Joseph began to apply wisdom to that knowledge.

1- There is an important difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge tells us what is happening; wisdom tells us what to do about it. Knowledge is the diagnosis; wisdom is directed toward the cure. Knowledge is good and necessary, but it is not enough.

2- The world possesses far more knowledge than wisdom. Scientists, poets, politicians, and everyone else today can often see what the problems are. True wisdom sees that Jesus Christ is the answer.

Pharaoh must also appoint overseers to collect one-fifth of Egypt's harvest during the seven years of plenty: In his God-given wisdom, Joseph saw that this looming crisis required proper administration. One-fifth represents a 20% tax. Some ancient sources suggest that Pharaoh normally took 10% of Egypt's grain as tax. If this is true, then Joseph proposed doubling the taxes for the next seven years.

So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, in whom is the divine spirit?" This man, in whom is the divine spirit: Pharaoh had access to many priests, magicians, and holy men. What he lacked (until Joseph) was a man with the divine spirit. This is what made Joseph stand out from the rest. Joseph did not need to preach a sermon or lead a prayer for Pharaoh to see the divine spirit upon him. He could see it in his character, his message, his knowledge, his wisdom, and his humility.