Genesis 39

Here we read of a time-worn tale: Joseph's spurning of the advances of his master's mistress. Joseph seems to be the pinnacle of principled characters found in the Book of Genesis. He is an ideal model for virtuous living. In fact, (if I may quote my commentary) Joseph, in this chapter alone, demonstrates the four cardinal virtues: "Prudence, in keeping out of the company of his mistress; Justice, in regard to his master; Fortitude, in bearing with all sorts of hardships, loss of character, etc.; and Temperance, by refusing to gratify the most violent of all passions, at an age when it is the most insidious and ungovernable."

Interestingly enough, Joseph's story proved quite universal in theme and effect. In yet another example of the existence of a universal set of virtues, we see this same cautionary tale repeated in other cultures at other times in history. Two notable examples are the Greek myths of Hippolytus and Bellerophon, both of whom resist the sexual advances of a woman who then goes on to falsely accuse them of either rape or abuse of some sort. But by far my favorite tale of this nature (after Joseph's of course) is Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. This medieval poem may not be an exact replica of the Joseph account, but it definitely has the temptation scenes, with Gawain playing the role of the virtuous and gallant knight who doesn't dare sin by sleeping with his master's wife, a conspiring woman who relentlessly tempts him three times. If you haven't read this amazing piece of literature, I highly recommend it.