QT 1/12/2026 Gen 47:1–12, Understanding the value of wisdom

Genesis 47:1–12 (ESV) —

1 So Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan. They are now in the land of Goshen.” 2 And from among his brothers he took five men and presented them to Pharaoh. 3 Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were.” 4 They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. And now, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.” 5 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6 The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”

7 Then Joseph brought in Jacob his father and stood him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 8 And Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How many are the days of the years of your life?” 9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The days of the years of my sojourning are 130 years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their sojourning.” 10 And Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from the presence of Pharaoh. 11 Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. 12 And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their dependents.

 

NOTE: I have to start with this interaction of five brothers with Pharaoh, because it is so real to me. Originally, Joseph had told his brothers only to mention that they are shepherds, but they go beyond that to ask if they can live in Goshen. I've been in this situation before. I know how a particular senior leader will react and I've instructed others on the limit of what they should say. Even though Joseph wanted them to stay in Goshen, you don't want to appear to be forcing the senior leader's hand. Joseph tells Pharaoh that they are currently in Goshen, the perfect place for sheep, but only temporarily. He plants a seed knowing that it makes the most sense. The brothers go beyond because they did not know to interact with senior leaders. Fortunately it does not blow up in their faces. And in fact, the Pharaoh is very disposed toward Joseph, and even wants to take advantage of whatever skill God (he might say the gods) has blessed this family with in regards to flocks.

 

The second important thing is Pharaoh's interest in Jacob's age. At that time, many civilizations believed a person was blessed to live long, and that an older person should be held in high esteem for his wisdom. The eldest in the family usually ruled or led the tribe. Today, we have lost the value of wisdom incurred with age. We have a lot of stupid young people leading major corporations. We also discriminate against the aged, pursuing a younger work force. There are reasons to make those decisions on an individual basis. Technology is rapidly changing. The energy level of the person is not sufficient for the job. And finally, the cost of older individuals is higher than younger. But I think our society has made, and is making a mistake by not using older people to lead our companies.

 

How does this apply to us? Don't discount the aged or the wisdom of the aged. Treat them with respect. And don't think you know it all when meeting with a high-ranking person and you go off script because you think you know what you are doing better than the person with experience.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I value comments coming from older individuals?
2. Do I show arrogance when I do things my way rather than the way I was instructed?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am not old and I am not young. I look younger than I should, but this year I will be 68 years old. I've seen much. I know a lot because I know what I don't know. Thank you for the opportunities to serve as a role model and mentor to many different men. I pray that I would do it with humility, gentleness, and respect. Continue your graciousness to me.