“Joseph’s One-Fifth Plan”

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Theme / Financial Planning

Need encouragement to plan financially for the future?  Look no further than Genesis 37 and learn from Joseph and his fourteen-year plan.   The Pharoah of Egypt had a dream that unsettled him and wanted it interpreted.  Since Joseph had gained a reputation of interpreting dreams (with the Lord’s help) the Pharoah called for him.

Joseph said there would be seven years of plentiful harvest followed by seven years of famine in Egypt and recommended that “Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt” (v. 33). The Pharoah chose Joseph to lead the effort.   Joseph’s plan was to “take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance” (v. 34) and store the grain to be used during the seven years of famine. 

But why one-fifth instead of one-seventh?  Why store up 20% of each harvest instead of 14%?  In other words, why live off 80% of the harvest now instead of 86%?    The answer is simple.  The more we save and invest now, the better we will be prepared for the financial challenges of the future.  "Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it” (Proverbs 21:20). 

Do you have money saved for emergencies in the future?  Are you systematically investing for your future?   We may not be faced with seven years of famine, but we will encounter financial surprises that can be alleviated with good financial reserves.   Be willing to not spend all your income now and save for the future.  

Joseph’s one-fifth plan worked so well that he not only kept Egyptians from starving, but Genesis 37 also tells us that Joseph was able to provide grain to “all the world” during the famine (v. 57). 

Doug Hanson, MBA

Wealth Advisor

208.697.3699

doug@christianwm.com