But even this affection was to become a cause of trouble and sorrow. Jacob unwisely manifested his preference for Joseph, and this excited the jealousy of his other sons. As Joseph witnessed the evil conduct of his brothers, he was greatly troubled; he ventured gently to remonstrate with them, but only aroused still further their hatred and resentment. He could not endure to see them sinning against God, and he laid the matter before his father, hoping that his authority might lead them to reform.

Men selv denne hengivenhed skulle blive årsag til vanskeligheder og sorg. Jakob var uklog nok til at vise, at han foretrak Josef, og dette vakte de andre sønners misundelse. Josef var meget bekymret over sine brødres opførsel. Han dristede sig til at bebrejde dem mildt, men vakte kun endnu mere deres had og harme. Han kunne ikke holde ud at se dem synde imod Gud, og han talte med sin fader om det i håb om, at hans autoritet kunne få dem til at forbedre sig.