Give God Credit before the Important Person

“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. 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 41:14-16 KJV

The setting had changed quickly. Joseph was no longer speaking to another prisoner. He stood before Pharaoh, with an opportunity that could affect the rest of his life. Even there, he did not begin by enlarging his reputation. He directed attention to God.

Read the passage carefully

Joseph's words concerned a gift God had truly given him in this account. We should not imitate the wording in order to lend divine authority to our own guesses. Giving God credit also requires honesty about what we know and what we do not know. A confident claim made in His name is not humble simply because it includes religious language.

There are ordinary opportunities to practice Joseph's humility. A supervisor praises your work, a church recognizes your service, or a friend benefits from your counsel. Receive the kindness without pretending you contributed nothing, but remember the abilities, training, help, and opportunities you did not create alone. Thank the people involved and acknowledge the Lord's provision. Humility can speak plainly about good work without turning it into a claim of personal greatness.