John Calvin Commentary Genesis 47:14

"And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh`s house." — Genesis 47:14 (ASV)

And Joseph gathered up all the money. Moses first declares that the Egyptian king had acted well and wisely in committing the work of providing grain to the sole care and authority of Joseph. He then commends the sincere and faithful administration of Joseph himself. We know how few people can touch the money of kings without defiling themselves by embezzlement.

Amid such vast heaps of money, the opportunity for plundering was not less than the difficulty of self-restraint. But Moses says that whatever money Joseph collected, he brought into the house of the king. It was a rare and unparalleled integrity to keep his hands pure amidst such heaps of gold.

And he would not have been able to conduct himself with such moderation unless his divine calling had acted as a bridle to restrain him; for those who are restrained from theft and greed by worldly motives alone would immediately reach for the prey, unless they feared the eyes and judgments of men.

But since Joseph might have sinned without a witness to his fault, it follows that the true fear of God flourished in his breast. Plausible and specious excuses for the theft would undoubtedly present themselves. “When you are serving a tyrant, why may it not be lawful for you to apply some part of the gain to your own advantage?” This makes it all the more apparent that he was fortified by genuine honesty, since he repelled all temptations, so that he would not desire to fraudulently enrich himself at another's expense.