Principle of Praise       

The Bible says, “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Genesis 41:15-16 (KJV)

When he was an attorney, Abraham Lincoln was once approached by a man who passionately insisted on bringing a suit for $2.50 against an impoverished debtor. Lincoln tried to discourage him, but the man was bent on revenge. When he saw that the man would not be but off, Lincoln agreed to take the case and asked for a legal fee of $10, which the plaintiff paid. Lincoln then gave half the money to the defendant, who willingly confessed to the debt and paid the $2.50! But even more amazing than Lincoln’s ingenuous settlement was the fact that the irate plaintiff was satisfied with it. 

After all Joseph had been through: betrayal of his brothers, false accusations brought by Potiphar’s wife, the faulty memory of the butler in prison, now here, was a chance to take credit for the interpretation and gain Pharaoh’s rewards. But instead, he practiced the Principle of Praise. Instead of reaping the anticipated rewards from Pharaoh he gave God the glory He so rightly deserved. That’s why Paul said in Colossians 3:17 (KJV) “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Whenever someone compliments you say, “Praise the Lord” for He is the One enabling you just as He did Joseph! Give Him all the praise! 

    Daily Chronological Bible Reading: Genesis 41-42