Is thirty years old young or old? It all depends on which side of the number you are on!

Why does the Bible tell us Joseph’s age when he stood before Pharoah?

Here are two possible answers:

1. Joseph was not a young, immature child like he was when he interacted with his brothers. In Genesis (37:2) we are told that Joseph was 17 which highlighted his immaturity in how he related to his brothers. Now, 13 years later he is wiser and more mature making him capable of standing before the Pharoah and speaking confidently and wisely.
   
   
2. The clue to understanding the verse is the end of the verse when it tells us that Joseph surveyed the entire land of Israel. In Joseph’s 30th year of his life he managed to survey the entire land of Egypt in order to assess the food needs for the country. Considering the size of Egypt and the enormity of the task, this is truly an incredible feat.
   
   Once Joseph was appointed as second in command and responsible for implementing the plan to save Egypt, he did not waste a single moment. He understood that leadership means taking your job seriously and wasting time would mean endangering lives.
   
   Sadly, many leaders see their role as an opportunity to enrich themselves or become drunk on the power they have. Not so Joseph. He was a man of the people who felt the weight of the people.
   
   In Hebrew zerizut means acting quickly and decisively. It is the opposite of procrastinating.
   
   Zerizut is what helps us fulfill our dreams—it transforms them from wishful thinking to reality by taking immediate action. It defines everything we do. If we are lazy and constantly procrastinating, it will affect our relationships with others and with God.
   
   As zerizut becomes part of our lives, it will lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.