In The Eyes Of Man and G-d

בס"ד

After rising to the prestigious post of seneschal in Potifar's house, Yosef is propositioned by Potifar's wife. While it is understandable, and supremely commendable, that he refuses her advances – Yosef's reason for doing so bears some analysis.

[בראשית לט:ט]"...ואיך אעשה הרעה הגדולה הזאת וחטאתי לא-לוקים"
"… and how shall I do this great evil and sin before G-d" [Bereshis 39:9]

Having been a slave - sold multiple times – may have made Yosef appreciate the cushy position he held in Potifar's household. Wouldn't it be his gratitude to Potifar that would prevent Yosef from commiting this adulterous betrayal?! Yet, not a word about the master of the house is spoken when Yosef rebuffs Potifar's wife.

Why not?

The answer teaches us what it means to be a committed Jew and also gives us a glimpse at what makes a tzaddik tick.

The bottom line in every Jew's life is G-d. A true servant of Hashem is not satisfied relegating G-d and His laws to the Beis Medrash or shul. Hashem is a considered factor in every facet of life. As such, Yosef's first thought about this traitorous offer was what G-d thought about it. Since G-d forbade adultery – there was no reason to examine the issue further and regard the obvious grievance that would arise with Potifar.

Furthermore - Yosef, as we saw, refused Potifar's wife on ideological grounds and not social ones. But in his refusal – those are the reasons he mentions. Why doesn’t he give her the reason she can most easily digest? Surely this betrayal is something she can grasp without a lesson in theology? Yosef, however, is not interested in easing anyone's comprehension. Yosef is interested in the emes. Declaring the act to be forbidden on social grounds would be the understatement of the century. It would be like saying that smoking is bad for you because it makes your clothes smell. As such, Yosef calls it as he sees it and condemns the action on its most heinous grounds.

But there is even a deeper message to be taken home.

Potifar's wife knows full well what she is suggesting. The betrayal of her husband and provider doesn't seem to weigh very heavily on her conscience. Yosef makes a declaration which is designed to answer this hedonistic attitude as well; Yosef declares the act to be a sin before G-d. Using powers that G-d has given him in a manner that is counter to their divinely intended purpose is wrong. You may claim absolution from social constraints on all sorts of grounds – but you are never free from your divine obligations. How could you – metaphorically - stab G-d in the back with the very knife He gave you?! And if you are prepared to betray your fellow man – won't betrayal of G-d be not too far behind?

Hashem has given us many talents and abilities – let us endeavor to dedicate them to the exclusive use in His service. And the next time we are tempted to do something we shouldn’t – just think – are we straying or betraying? May Hashem give us strength to guard ourselves and not falter.
Hatzlacha !