Bible Study - Integrity

Read Genesis 39
1. Is integrity basically an attitude, a commitment, or an action?
Explain.

How is self-respect related to integrity?

2. Read Genesis 39. After having been sold by brothers who hated him Joseph finds himself a slave in Potiphar’s household, what does Potiphar observe about Joseph?

3. Why does Joseph refuse the request of Potiphar’s wife?

4. Instead of calling your sin or indiscretions evil, wicked, or against God, what excuses are you tempted to make for your actions?

5. How does the woman’s persistence make matters more difficult?

6. How much do you think Potiphar’s wife understood about Joseph’s reasons for refusing her?

How would you compare her loyalties with Joseph’s?

7. Why does Potiphar believe his wife instead of Joseph?

8. If Joseph had listened to Potiphar’s wife what would he have lost?

9. Have you ever been tempted to think, “The rules don’t apply to me” or “Nobody’s going to know anyway?” What were the circumstances and how did you respond?

10. In what ways can you follow Joseph’s example and maintain your integrity, whether at work, home, or play?

by Justin Kantonen
originally published March 2008