33 "Now let Pharaoh look for a man discerning and wise , and set him over the land of Egypt . 34 "Let Pharaoh take action to appoint overseers in charge of the land , and let him exact a fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven years of abundance . 35 "Then let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming , and store up the grain for food in the cities under Pharaoh's authority , and let them guard it. 36 "Let the food become as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which will occur in the land of Egypt , so that the land will not perish during the famine ."
37 Now the proposal seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his servants . 38 Then Pharaoh said to his servants , "Can we find a man like this , in whom is a divine spirit ?" 39 So Pharaoh said to Joseph , "Since God has informed you of all this , there is no one so discerning and wise as you are. 40 " You shall be over my house , and according to your command all my people shall do homage ; only in the throne I will be greater than you."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 41:33-40
Commentary on Genesis 41:33-45
(Read Genesis 41:33-45)
Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh. Fair warning should always be followed by good counsel. God has in his word told us of a day of trial before us, when we shall need all the grace we can have. Now, therefore, provide accordingly. Pharaoh gave Joseph an honourable testimony. He is a man in whom the spirit of God is; and such men ought to be valued. Pharaoh puts upon Joseph marks of honour. He gave him such a name as spoke the value he had for him, Zaphnath-paaneah, "a revealer of secrets." This preferment of Joseph encourages all to trust in God. Some translate Joseph's new name, "the saviour of the world." The brightest glories, even of the upper world, are put upon Christ, the highest trust lodged in his hand, and all power given him, both in heaven and earth.