In spite of the mortifications he practiced, and though he
gave the poor and the sick the food apportioned to him, his
master thought he lived a luxurious life, for those that fast
for the glory of God are made beautiful of countenance.

The wife of Potiphar would frequently speak to her husband
in praise of Joseph's chastity in order that he might
conceive no suspicion of the state of her feelings. And,
again, she would encourage Joseph secretly, telling him not
to fear her husband, that he was convinced of his purity of
life, and though one should carry tales to him about
Joseph and herself, Potiphar would lend them no credence.
And when she saw that all this was ineffectual , she approached
him with the request that he teach her the word
of God, saying, "If it be thy wish that I forsake idol worship,
then fulfil my desire, and I will persuade that Egyptian
husband of mine to abjure the idols, and we shall walk in the
law of thy God." Joseph replied, "The Lord desireth not
that those who fear Him shall walk in impurity, nor hath He
pleasure in the adulterer."

Another time she came to him, and said, "If thou wilt not
do my desire, I will murder the Egyptian and wed with thee
according to the law." Whereat Joseph rent his garment,
and he said, "O woman, fear the Lord, and do not execute
this evil deed, that thou mayest not bring destruction down
upon thyself, for I will proclaim thy impious purposes to all
in public."