Most of the time, running away from a problem isn’t the best solution. If you’re having trouble with math, you can’t just run away from math class! If you’re in an argument with a friend, running away won’t fix the friendship. Usually, we need to face our problems and work through them.

But there’s one time when running away is exactly the right thing to do: when you’re facing temptation to do something you know is wrong!

Joseph learned this lesson in a dramatic way. He had become the most trusted servant in Potiphar’s house—basically the manager of everything. But Potiphar’s wife kept trying to get Joseph to sin. Day after day, she tempted him to do something that would dishonor God.

What did Joseph do? He didn’t stick around to argue with her or see how long he could resist. He RAN AWAY! The Bible says he literally fled from the temptation. Unfortunately, when Joseph ran away, the woman got angry and lied about him, which got Joseph thrown in prison. But even though he suffered for doing the right thing, Joseph’s conscience was clear before God.

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that God always provides a “way of escape” when we’re tempted. Sometimes that way of escape is simply using our feet to get away from the tempting situation!

Think About It: What situations tempt you to do wrong things? Maybe it’s when certain friends start talking about inappropriate things, or when you’re alone with a computer or phone, or when you’re in a store and see something you want but can’t afford. Instead of seeing how long you can resist temptation, make a plan to remove yourself from those situations. Remember, it’s not cowardly to run from temptation—it’s wise!