Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 39:7-12

"And it came to pass after these things, that his master`s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master`s wife, Behold, my master knoweth not what is with me in the house, and he hath put all that he hath into my hand: he is not greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, [or] to be with her. And it came to pass about this time, that he went into the house to do his work; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out." — Genesis 39:7-12 (ASV)

Beauty, whether in men or women, often proves a snare both to themselves and others. This forbids pride in it and requires constant watchfulness against the temptation that accompanies it. We greatly need to make a covenant with our eyes, so that the eyes do not infect the heart. When lust has gained power, decency, and reputation, and conscience are all sacrificed.

Potiphar's wife showed that her heart was fully set on doing evil. Satan, when he found he could not overcome Joseph with the troubles and the frowns of the world (for in these Joseph still held fast to his principle), assaulted him with pleasures, which have ruined more than the former. But Joseph, by the grace of God, was enabled to resist and overcome this temptation; and his escape was as great an example of divine power as the deliverance of the three children from the fiery furnace.

This sin was one that might most easily beset him. The tempter was his mistress, someone whose favour would advance his position; and it was at his utmost peril if he slighted her and made her his enemy. The time and place favoured the temptation. To all this was added frequent, constant urging.

The almighty grace of God enabled Joseph to overcome this assault of the enemy. He stresses what he owed both to God and his master. We are bound in honour, as well as justice and gratitude, not in anything to wrong those who place trust in us, however secretly it may be done. He would not offend his God.

Three arguments Joseph urges upon himself.

1. He considers who he was, the one being tempted: one in covenant with God, who professed his religion and his relationship with Him.
2. What the sin was to which he was tempted. Others might look upon it as a small matter, but Joseph did not think of it that way. Call sin by its own name, and never diminish it. Let sins of this nature always be regarded as great wickedness, as exceedingly sinful.
3. Against whom he was tempted to sin: against God. Sin is against God—against His nature and His dominion, against His love and His design. Those who love God, for this reason hate sin. The grace of God enabled Joseph to overcome the temptation by avoiding the tempter. He would not stay to negotiate with the temptation but fled from it, as escaping for his life. If we do not intend to commit iniquity, let us flee like a bird from the snare and like a roe from the hunter.