blood grew from it. They were heartless and cruel, turned a deaf ear to Joseph’s lamentation, and sold him into the miseries of slavery. They lied to their father (“We have found this coat &c.”), embittered his life, and counterfeited compassion for his grief. What a multitude of sins; and they all sprang from envy! Therefore, envy is a capital sin.
The evil consequences of one venial sin. This story teaches us that small causes (such as little faults and venial sins) produce great effects, and have very evil consequences. It was weak-minded and foolish of Jacob to parade his preference for Joseph; but this, in itself, was not a great sin. However, it roused the envy of his other sons, and brought much suffering and sorrow both upon Jacob and Joseph. So let us be on our guard against even the smallest faults.
Omission of what we ought to do. Reuben and Juda were the two brothers who sinned less than the others. Juda, at least, saved Joseph’s life; and, as for Reuben — well, it might be said that he had no share in his brothers’ sin, because he wished to save Joseph, and took no part in selling him. Nevertheless, he cannot be exonerated from blame. He ought to have openly and decidedly opposed his brothers’ blood-thirsty plan, and boldly protected Joseph. Then, after he learnt that Joseph had been sold, he ought to have told the truth to his sorrowing father, who would have sent to Egypt, to seek and ransom Joseph. Reuben, therefore, sinned by omitting to do what he ought to have done.
God can make good come out of evil. Joseph’s brethren said to themselves: “If we sell Joseph to be a slave in Egypt, his dreams will come to nothing, and he will never rule over us.” But God’s wisdom decreed that it was in Egypt that Joseph was to be exalted, and his brethren humbled before him.
Immortality of the soul. Jacob knew and believed that he would, one day, rejoin Joseph, even though he were dead. He knew that everything does not finish with death, but that there is an eternal life to come after this passing one.
Application. Take great pains to deserve the love of your parents by your conduct.
Do you wish for smart clothes? Do you wish to be distinguished from other children by your finery? God does not look to the clothes, but to the heart adorned with many virtues.
Perhaps you have often published abroad the faults of others without any necessity. On the other hand, you may have concealed what you know, from those set over you, who have a right to know. By doing so you have shared in the guilt of others.
You see in Jacob’s case how very strong is the love which parents have for their children. Should not children be very
