Civil Service: Appointment In, on Account of Merit

Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. …

So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?” …

Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph.

That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him. …

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams. …

For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions.

To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey.

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ …

So He said, “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to lay claim to his kingship and then return. …