John Calvin Commentary Genesis 41:9

"Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:" — Genesis 41:9 (ASV)

Then spake the chief butler. Although the Lord took pity on Egypt, yet he did not do it for the sake of the king or of the country, but rather that Joseph might finally be brought out of prison; and furthermore, that in the time of famine food might be supplied to the Church. For although the produce was stored with no design beyond providing for the kingdom of Egypt, God chiefly cared for his Church, which he esteemed more highly than ten worlds.

Therefore, the butler, who had resolved to be silent concerning Joseph, is constrained to speak for the liberation of the holy man. In saying, I do remember my faults this day, he is understood by some as confessing the fault of ingratitude because he had not kept the promise he had given.

But the meaning is different; for he could not speak about his imprisonment without offering such a preface, out of fear that suspicion might enter the king's mind that his servant felt wronged, or that the king might take offense, as if the butler were not grateful for the benefit conferred on him.

We know how sensitive the minds of kings are, and the courtier had found this out by long experience: therefore, he begins by acknowledging that he had been justly cast into prison. From this it follows that he was indebted to the king's clemency for his restoration to his former state.