Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 50:15-21

"And when Joseph`s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully requite us all the evil which we did unto him. And they sent a message unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the transgression of thy brethren, and their sin, for that they did unto thee evil. And now, we pray thee, forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we are thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? And as for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them." — Genesis 50:15-21 (ASV)

Various motives might have caused the sons of Jacob to continue in Egypt, despite the prophetic vision Abraham had of their bondage there. Judging Joseph from typical human nature, they thought he would now avenge himself on those who had hated and injured him without cause. Unable to resist or flee, they attempted to soften him by humbling themselves.

They pleaded with him as the servants of Jacob's God. Joseph was deeply affected by seeing this complete fulfillment of his dreams. He directed them not to fear him, but to fear God; to humble themselves before the Lord, and to seek the Divine forgiveness. He assured them of his own kindness to them.

See what an excellent spirit Joseph had, and learn from him to render good for evil. He comforted them, and, to banish all their fears, he spoke kindly to them. Broken spirits must be bound up and encouraged.

Those we love and forgive, we must not only do well for, but speak kindly to.