If the last chapter felt unfair, this one is even worse. Joseph works hard as a slave and is rewarded by being put in charge of the entire household. But his good fortune doesn’t last. His master’s wife lies about him, and he is put in prison. He remains true to God and is punished for it.
Doing the right thing and being rewarded for it makes sense. Doing the right thing and suffering for it takes faith. In Luke 6:35 Jesus said, “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High.” Our reward might not come in this life, but God will make everything right.