35. Order them to collect all the food during the good years that are coming, and give them authority to store up corn in the cities and guard it.
36. The food will be a reserve supply for the country during the seven years of famine which are going to come on Egypt. In this way the people will not starve.”
37. The king and his officials approved this plan,
38. and he said to them, “We will never find a better man than Joseph, a man who has God's Spirit in him.”
39. The king said to Joseph, “God has shown you all this, so it is obvious that you have greater wisdom and insight than anyone else.
40. I will put you in charge of my country, and all my people will obey your orders. Your authority will be second only to mine.
41. I now appoint you governor over all Egypt.”
42. The king removed from his finger the ring engraved with the royal seal and put it on Joseph's finger. He put a fine linen robe on him, and placed a gold chain round his neck.
43. He gave him the second royal chariot to ride in, and his guard of honour went ahead of him and cried out, “Make way! Make way!” And so Joseph was appointed governor over all Egypt.
44. The king said to him, “I am the king — and no one in all Egypt shall so much as lift a hand or a foot without your permission.”