Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 42:21-24

"And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore also, behold, his blood is required. And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for there was an interpreter between them. And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and he returned to them, and spake to them, and took Simeon from among them, and bound him before their eyes." — Genesis 42:21-24 (ASV)

The function of conscience is to bring to mind things long ago said and done. When the guilt of this sin of Joseph's brothers was fresh, they treated it lightly and sat down to eat bread; but now, long afterward, their consciences accused them of it. Consider the good of afflictions; they often prove the beneficial means of awakening conscience and bringing sin to our remembrance.

Also, consider the evil of guilt concerning our brothers. Conscience now reproached them for it. Whenever we think wrong has been done to us, we should remember the wrong we have done to others. Reuben alone remembered with comfort that he had done what he could to prevent the harm.

When we share with others in their sufferings, it will be a comfort if we have the testimony of our consciences that we did not share in their evil deeds, but in our capacity witnessed against them. Joseph withdrew to weep. Though his reason directed that he should still act like a stranger, because they were not yet sufficiently humbled, natural affection could not help but stir.