第20章 约瑟在埃及
§1
第20章 约瑟在埃及
§2
Chap. 20 - Joseph in Egypt
§3
这时，约瑟与买他的人赶路往埃及去。当这个商队南行，经过迦南地的边界时，约瑟还能认出在远处父亲曾经支搭帐棚的山头。他想到亲爱的父亲在孤寂伤痛之中，就不禁号啕大哭。多坍的景象又浮现在他眼前。他还看见他发怒的哥哥们，并感到他们向他怒视的狰狞面目。他们回答他痛苦的恳求所说讽刺侮辱的话，仍在他耳中作响。这时他胆战心惊地望着将来。他将要从一个蒙亲切钟爱的儿子的地位，变成一个被轻视而无依无靠的奴隶，这是何等的改变啊！孤苦伶仃，无亲无友，他在所去的异乡将要落到怎样的境地呢？约瑟一时就陷于无法抑制的恐惧和悲愁之中了。[1]{PP 213.1}
§4
Meanwhile, Joseph with his captors was on the way to Egypt. As the caravan journeyed southward toward the borders of Canaan, the boy could discern in the distance the hills among which lay his fathers tents. Bitterly he wept at thought of that loving father in his loneliness and affliction. Again the scene at Dothan came up before him. He saw his angry brothers and felt their fierce glances bent upon him. The stinging, insulting words that had met his agonized entreaties were ringing in his ears. With a trembling heart he looked forward to the future. What a change in situation--from the tenderly cherished son to the despised and helpless slave! Alone and friendless, what would be his lot in the strange land to which he was going? For a time Joseph gave himself up to uncontrolled grief and terror.{PP 213.1}[1]
§5
但是在上帝的照顾之下，就是这样的经验对他也是幸福的。他在几小时之内，学得了在其它情形之下多年所不能给他的教训。他父亲对他极大而亲切的爱，曾因偏心和放任而害了他。这种不智的偏爱曾激起他弟兄的愤怒，惹起他们残忍的行为，使他与家庭分离。这种偏爱的结果，在约瑟自己的品格上已显明出来了。故此，先前所造成的错误，如今必须予以改正。他已经逐渐变得又自满、又刻薄,既因父亲的娇生惯养，就觉得自己并没有预备忍受这当前艰难、无依无靠的奴隶生活了。[2]{PP 213.2}
§6
But, in the providence of God, even this experience was to be a blessing to him. He had learned in a few hours that which years might not otherwise have taught him. His father, strong and tender as his love had been, had done him wrong by his partiality and indulgence. This unwise preference had angered his brothers and provoked them to the cruel deed that had separated him from his home. Its effects were manifest also in his own character. Faults had been encouraged that were now to be corrected. He was becoming self-sufficient and exacting. Accustomed to the tenderness of his fathers care, he felt that he was unprepared to cope with the difficulties before him, in the bitter, uncared-for life of a stranger and a slave.{PP 213.2}[2]
§7
于是他转向他父亲的上帝。他在幼年时曾受了敬畏上帝、爱上帝的训诲。他在父亲的帐棚中，常常听到雅各离开父家流亡在外和看见异象的故事。他也曾听过耶和华向雅各所发的应许，以及这些应许应验的情形，在需要的时候，上帝的天使曾如何来教导、安慰并保护他。而且他也听说过上帝爱人，已为世人设立了一位救赎主。如今这一切宝贝的教训，都活现在他眼前。约瑟相信他列祖的上帝必要作他的上帝。他立时就在那里把自己完全奉献给耶和华，并祈求保守以色列的主在他流亡异地时与他同在。[3]{PP 213.3}
§8
Then his thoughts turned to his fathers God. In his childhood he had been taught to love and fear Him. Often in his fathers tent he had listened to the story of the vision that Jacob saw as he fled from his home an exile and a fugitive. He had been told of the Lords promises to Jacob, and how they had been fulfilled--how, in the hour of need, the angels of God had come to instruct, comfort, and protect him. And he had learned of the love of God in providing for men a Redeemer. Now all these precious lessons came vividly before him. Joseph believed that the God of his fathers would be his God. He then and there gave himself fully to the Lord, and he prayed that the Keeper of Israel would be with him in the land of his exile.{PP 213.3}[3]
§9
他下了最大的决心要忠于上帝，他的灵深受感动，无论在什么环境中，他的行为要与天上君王的子民相称。他愿意全心全意地侍奉耶和华；他愿意不屈不挠地应付命运中的试炼，并忠心不断地履行每一样本分。这一天的体验成了约瑟一生的转折点。这可怕的灾难已经把这一个娇生惯养的孩子，变成一个审慎、勇敢和沉着的人了。[4]{PP 214.1}
§10
His soul thrilled with the high resolve to prove himself true to God--under all circumstances to act as became a subject of the King of heaven. He would serve the Lord with undivided heart; he would meet the trials of his lot with fortitude and perform every duty with fidelity. One days experience had been the turning point in Josephs life. Its terrible calamity had transformed him from a petted child to a man, thoughtful, courageous, and self-possessed.{PP 214.1}[4]
§11
到了埃及，约瑟被卖给法老的护卫长波提乏，在他家中服役了十年之久。他在这里所受到的并不是平常的试探。他置身在拜偶像的人当中；当时假神的崇拜既为国内贵族所拥护，也是这最文明国家的财富和文化所支持的。但约瑟却保持了他的淳朴和对上帝的忠心。在他四围的尽是伤风败俗的声色之欲，但他一概视若无睹，听若无闻。他不让自己的思想依恋上帝所禁止的事物。他愿意求埃及人的欢心，但这并不能使他因而隐瞒他所信仰的原则。如果真的隐匿，他就必为试探所胜；但他不以他列祖的信仰为耻，他是一个敬拜耶和华的人，这一件事，他并没有设法隐瞒。[5]{PP 214.2}
§12
Arriving in Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, captain of the kings guard, in whose service he remained for ten years. He was here exposed to temptations of no ordinary character. He was in the midst of idolatry. The worship of false gods was surrounded by all the pomp of royalty, supported by the wealth and culture of the most highly civilized nation then in existence. Yet Joseph preserved his simplicity and his fidelity to God. The sights and sounds of vice were all about him, but he was as one who saw and heard not. His thoughts were not permitted to linger upon forbidden subjects. The desire to gain the favor of the Egyptians could not cause him to conceal his principles. Had he attempted to do this, he would have been overcome by temptation; but he was not ashamed of the religion of his fathers, and he made no effort to hide the fact that he was a worshiper of Jehovah.{PP 214.2}[5]
§13
“耶和华与他同在，他就百事顺利。他主人见耶和华与他同在，又见耶和华使他手里所办的尽都顺利。”（见创39:2-3）波提乏对约瑟的信任天天增加，最后升他为管家，派他管理全部的财产。“波提乏将一切所有的，都交在约瑟的手中，除了自己所吃的饭，别的事一概不知。”[6]{PP 214.3}
§14
And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. . . . And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. Potiphars confidence in Joseph increased daily, and he finally promoted him to be his steward, with full control over all his possessions. And he left all that he had in Josephs hand; and he knew not aught he had, save the bread which he did eat.{PP 214.3}[6]
§15
约瑟所办的一切事之所以有显著的成效，并不是因为上帝为他直接行了一件神迹；乃是因为他的勤劳、细心和努力，蒙了上帝的赐福。约瑟常以他的成功是由于上帝的恩宠，连他那拜偶像的主人，也承认这必是他特别顺利的秘诀。虽然如此，约瑟若没有作一番坚忍和适当的努力，他是决不能成功的。上帝因他仆人的忠心而得到荣耀。他的旨意原是要信他的人在纯洁和正直上，与拜偶像的人有显著的分别，这样，天上的恩光就可以照耀在外邦的黑暗之中了。[7]{PP 214.4}
§16
The marked prosperity which attended everything placed under Josephs care was not the result of a direct miracle; but his industry, care, and energy were crowned with the divine blessing. Joseph attributed his success to the favor of God, and even his idolatrous master accepted this as the secret of his unparalleled prosperity. Without steadfast, well-directed effort, however, success could never have been attained. God was glorified by the faithfulness of His servant. It was His purpose that in purity and uprightness the believer in God should appear in marked contrast to the worshipers of idols--that thus the light of heavenly grace might shine forth amid the darkness of heathenism.{PP 214.4}[7]
§17
约瑟的温和与忠直赢得了那护卫长的心，他待约瑟如同儿子一般，而不像是一个奴仆。于是这个青年就得与有地位有学识的人士接触，而获得了科学、文学和事务上的知识，这种教育是他将来作埃及宰相时所必需的。[8]{PP 217.1}
§18
Josephs gentleness and fidelity won the heart of the chief captain, who came to regard him as a son rather than a slave. The youth was brought in contact with men of rank and learning, and he acquired a knowledge of science, of languages, and of affairs--an education needful to the future prime minister of Egypt.{PP 217.1}[8]
§19
但是约瑟的信心和忠直必须再受一番火炼的试验。他主人的妻子想要勾引这个青年违背上帝的诫命。以前约瑟一直能保守自己，不因充斥这外邦之地的腐化影响而败坏；但是这一次的试探是那么突然，那么迷人，那么强劲有力，他将怎样应付呢？约瑟明知道拒绝之后所必有的后果。一方面是掩护、宠爱和酬赠；而另一方面则是羞辱、监禁、甚或死亡。他一生的前途完全有待于这一时的决定。这时义行能得胜吗？约瑟仍能忠于上帝吗？众天使以说不出来的焦虑注视着这幕景象。[9]{PP 217.2}
§20
But Josephs faith and integrity were to be tested by fiery trials. His masters wife endeavored to entice the young man to transgress the law of God. Heretofore he had remained untainted by the corruption teeming in that heathen land; but this temptation, so sudden, so strong, so seductive--how should it be met? Joseph knew well what would be the consequence of resistance. On the one hand were concealment, favor, and rewards; on the other, disgrace, imprisonment, perhaps death. His whole future life dependedupon the decision of the moment. Would principle triumph? Would Joseph still be true to God? With inexpressible anxiety, angels looked upon the scene.{PP 217.2}[9]
§21
约瑟的回答显明了信仰真神的力量。他不愿意辜负他地上主人的信任；而且不论后果如何，他也决心要忠于他天上的主宰。许多人在上帝和圣天使的监察之下，竟公然犯了他们在世人面前所不敢犯的罪；但约瑟首先所想到的乃是上帝。他说：“我怎能作这大恶，得罪上帝呢？”[10]{PP 217.3}
§22
Josephs answer reveals the power of religious principle. He would not betray the confidence of his master on earth, and, whatever the consequences, he would be true to his Master in heaven. Under the inspecting eye of God and holy angels many take liberties of which they would not be guilty in the presence of their fellow men, but Josephs first thought was of God. How . . . can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? he said.{PP 217.3}[10]
§23
如果我们能常记得：上帝看得见也听得到我们的一言一行，并将我们的言行都作了详尽的记录，而且终有一天我们必须为这一切交帐，我们就不敢犯罪了。青年人务要经常记得，他们无论在什么地方，作什么事，都是在上帝的面前作的。我们的行为没有一样能逃得过他的眼目。我们的行动是决瞒不过至高者的。人间的律法有时固然严厉，但往往有人竟能犯法而不被发觉，依然逍遥法外。但上帝的律法却不是如此。夜半更深也不足以遮掩一个犯罪的人。他或许自以为是单独在一处；殊不知暗室亏心，神目如电，连人心中的动机，在上帝的监察之下也是赤露敞开的。人的每一件行为，每一句话语，每一个思想，都是清清楚楚的了如指掌，好像全世界只有这一个人，而天庭的注意力完全集中在他身上似的。[11]{PP 217.4}
§24
If we were to cherish an habitual impression that God sees and hears all that we do and say and keeps a faithful record of our words and actions, and that we must meet it all, we would fear to sin. Let the young ever remember that wherever they are, and whatever they do, they are in the presence of God. No part of our conduct escapes observation. We cannot hide our ways from the Most High. Human laws, though sometimes severe, are often transgressed without detection, and hence with impunity. But not so with the law of God. The deepest midnight is no cover for the guilty one. He may think himself alone, but to every deed there is an unseen witness. The very motives of his heart are open to divine inspection. Every act, every word, every thought, is as distinctly marked as though there were only one person in the whole world, and the attention of heaven were centered upon him.{PP 217.4}[11]
§25
约瑟终于因着他的正直而受了苦；那勾引他的人反而控告他犯了可耻的罪，借以向他泄愤，于是约瑟被下在监里。如果波提乏真相信他妻子控告约瑟的话，这个希伯来的青年是必定会丧失性命的；可是他那一贯谨慎和正直的行为，足以证明他是无罪的；但波提乏为了顾全自己的名誉，竟把约瑟委弃于耻辱和捆锁之中。[12]{PP 218.1}
§26
Joseph suffered for his integrity, for his tempter revenged herself by accusing him of a foul crime, and causing him to be thrust into prison. Had Potiphar believed his wifes charge against Joseph, the young Hebrew would have lost his life; but the modesty and uprightness that had uniformly characterized his conduct were proof of his innocence; and yet, to save the reputation of his masters house, he was abandoned to disgrace and bondage.{PP 218.1}[12]
§27
起初禁卒很苦待约瑟。诗人说：“人用脚镣伤他的脚，他被铁链捆拘。耶和华的话试炼他，直等到他所说的应验了。”（诗105:18）但是即使在监狱的黑暗之中，约瑟的真品质也显扬出来了。他坚持了他的信心和忍耐；他多年忠心的服务，虽然得到了最残忍的报酬，但这并没有使他忧郁或失去信心。他问心无愧，处之泰然，并将他的案件交托上帝。他没有存抱怨的心，反而设法减轻他人的忧伤，这样也就忘记了自己的痛苦。就是在监狱里面，他也找到了一些应作的工作。上帝使他正在苦难的学校中准备将来有更伟大的成就，他并没有拒绝这必要的锻炼。他在监狱中看到压迫和暴虐的结局，以及犯罪的种种后果，就学得了公义、同情和慈怜的教训，准备他将来用智慧和慈悲来行使职权。[13]{PP 218.2}
§28
At the first Joseph was treated with great severity by his jailers. The psalmist says, His feet they hurt with fetters; he was laid in chains of iron: until the time that his word came to pass; the word of the Lord tried him. Psalm 105:18, 19, R.V. But Josephs real character shines out, even in the darkness of the dungeon. He held fast his faith and patience; his years of faithful service had been most cruelly repaid, yet this did not render him morose or distrustful. He had the peace that comes from conscious innocence, and he trusted his case with God. He did not brood upon his own wrongs, but forgot his sorrow in trying to lighten the sorrows of others. He found a work to do, even in the prison. God was preparing him in the school of affliction for greater usefulness, and he did not refuse the needful discipline. In the prison, witnessing the results of oppression and tyranny and the effects of crime, he learned lessons of justice, sympathy, and mercy, that prepared him to exercise power with wisdom and compassion.{PP 218.2}[13]
§29
约瑟渐渐获得司狱的信任，最后他就把监里所有的囚犯都交在约瑟手中。约瑟在监牢里日常所作的事，就是他生活上所表现的正直，以及对那些在困难中受苦之人所表示的同情，为他将来的发达和尊荣开辟了坦途。我们照耀在别人身上的每一线光明，都必反射到自己身上。对忧伤者所说的每一句仁爱同情的话，为解救受压制之人的每一件行为，为帮助穷乏之人的每一点馈赠，只要是出于正当的动机，结果都必使施予者蒙福。[14]{PP 218.3}
§30
Joseph gradually gained the confidence of the keeper of the prison, and was finally entrusted with the charge of all the prisoners. It was the part he acted in the prison--the integrity of his daily life and his sympathy for those who were in trouble and distress--that opened the way for his future prosperity and honor. Every ray of light that we shed upon others is reflected upon ourselves. Every kind and sympathizing word spoken to the sorrowful, every act to relieve the oppressed, and every gift to the needy, if prompted by a right motive, will result in blessings to the giver. {PP 218.3}[14]
§31
这时，王的膳长和酒政因罪被下在监里，到了约瑟的手下。有一天早晨，约瑟看见他们面带愁容，就亲切地问他们是什么缘故。他们告诉他说，他们各人作了一个希奇的梦，很想知道其中的意义。约瑟说：“解梦不是出于上帝吗？请你们将梦告诉我。”（见创40:8）那二人述说了他们的梦以后，约瑟就为他们圆解：三天之内，酒政要官复原职，仍旧递酒杯给法老，但王却要下令把膳长处死。这两件事果然照他预先所说的实现了。[15]{PP 219.1}
§32
The chief baker and chief butler of the king had been cast into prison for some offense, and they came under Josephs charge. One morning, observing that they appeared very sad, he kindly inquired the cause and was told that each had had a remarkable dream, of which they were anxious to learn the significance. Do not interpretations belong to God? said Joseph, tell me them, I pray you. As each related his dream, Joseph made known its import: In three days the butler was to be reinstated in his position, and give the cup into Pharaohs hand as before, but the chief baker would be put to death by the kings command. In both cases the event occurred as foretold.{PP 219.1}[15]
§33
那酒政曾因约瑟为他解梦，以及多方面的照顾而表示至深的感谢；约瑟则用最动人的言语述说他自己怎样无故被囚，随即恳求酒政在法老面前提说他的事。他说：“你得好处的时候，求你纪念我，施恩与我，在法老面前提说我，救我出这监牢。我实在是从希伯来人之地被拐来的，我在这里也没有作过什么，叫他们把我下在监里。”酒政看着自己的梦都一一应验；但在他重蒙王宠爱之后，就没有再想到他的恩人。约瑟仍旧留在监里两年之久。那曾一度在他心里燃起的希望逐渐消灭了，在他一切的试炼之外，又加上了这忘恩负义的打击。[16]{PP 219.2}
§34
The kings cupbearer had professed the deepest gratitude to Joseph, both for the cheering interpretation of his dream and for many acts of kind attention; and in return the latter, referring in a most touching manner to his own unjust captivity, entreated that his case be brought before the king. Think on me, he said, when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: for indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. The chief butler saw the dream fulfilled in every particular; but when restored to royal favor, he thought no more of his benefactor. For two years longer Joseph remained a prisoner. The hope that had been kindled in his heart gradually died out, and to all other trials was added the bitter sting of ingratitude.{PP 219.2}[16]
§35
但是上帝的手即将打开监狱之门了。有一夜，埃及王作了两个梦，显然是指着同一事件的，似乎预示将有大灾难临到。他不能确定梦的意义，然而他心里却一直不安。埃及所有的术士和博士都不能为他圆解。于是王就越发困惑焦虑，他宫廷之内普遍地恐慌起来了。众人议论纷纷，使酒政想起自己作梦的景况来；同时想起了约瑟，于是他因自己的健忘和负义而良心发现，深深自责。他立时把自己和膳长的梦，以及一个希伯来囚犯如何加以圆解，连同梦兆以后如何应验，都告诉了法老王。[17]{PP 219.3}
§36
But a divine hand was about to open the prison gates. The king of Egypt had in one night two dreams, apparently pointing to the same event and seeming to foreshadow some great calamity. He could not determine their significance, yet they continued to trouble his mind. The magicians and wise men of his realm could give no interpretation. The kings perplexity and distress increased, and terror spread throughout his palace. The general agitation recalled to the chief butlers mind the circumstances of his own dream; with it came the memory of Joseph, and a pang of remorse for his forgetfulness and ingratitude. He at once informed the king how his own dream and that of the chief baker had been interpreted by a Hebrew captive, and how the predictions had been fulfilled. {PP 219.3}[17]
§37
要法老王撇开国内的术士和博士而去请教一个外国的奴隶，这原是一件耻辱的事；但是他为求烦恼的心情得到慰藉起见，决意接受极卑微之人的贡献。于是他立刻派人去召约瑟；约瑟就换下囚衣，剃头刮脸，因为他在受辱的囚禁期内，头发长得很长了。然后进到法老的面前。[18]{PP 220.1}
§38
It was humiliating to Pharaoh to turn away from the magicians and wise men of his kingdom to consult an alien and a slave, but he was ready to accept the lowliest service if his troubled mind might find relief. Joseph was immediately sent for; he put off his prison attire, and shaved himself, for his hair had grown long during the period of his disgrace and confinement. He was then conducted to the presence of the king.{PP 220.1}[18]
§39
“法老对约瑟说：我作了一梦，没有人能解，我听见人说，你听了梦就能解。约瑟回答法老说：这不在乎我，上帝必将平安的话回答法老。”（见创41:16）约瑟回答法老的话显明他的谦卑和信上帝的心。他谦逊地不肯将超人智慧的荣誉归于自己。“这不在乎我。”唯有上帝能解释这些奥秘的事。[19]{PP 220.2}
§40
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. Josephs reply to the king reveals his humility and his faith in God. He modestly disclaims the honor of possessing in himself superior wisdom. It is not in me. God alone can explain these mysteries.{PP 220.2}[19]
§41
于是法老开始述说他的梦：“我梦见我站在河边；有七只母牛从河里上来，又肥壮、又美好，在芦荻中吃草。随后又有七只母牛上来，又软弱、又丑陋，又干瘦，在埃及遍地，我没有见过这样不好的。这又干瘦，又丑陋的母牛，吃尽了那以先的七只肥母牛。吃了以后，却看不出是吃了。那丑陋的样子仍旧和先前一样；我就醒了。我又梦见一棵麦子，长了七个穗子，又饱满、又佳美；随后又长了七个穗子，枯槁细弱，被东风吹焦了；这些细弱的穗子，吞了那七个佳美的穗子；我将这梦告诉了术士，却没有人能给我解说。”[20]{PP 220.3}
§42
Pharaoh then proceeded to relate his dreams: Behold, I stood upon the bank of the river: and, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fat-fleshed and well-favored; and they fed in a meadow: and, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill-favored and lean-fleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness: and the lean and the ill-favored kine did eat up the first seven fat kine: and when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill-favored, as at the beginning. So I awoke. And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good: and, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: and the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.{PP 220.3}[20]
§43
约瑟对法老说：“法老的梦乃是一个，上帝已将所要作的事指示法老了。”埃及遍地必来七个大丰年，田园里的出产极其丰盛。随后又要来七个荒年。“因那以后的饥荒甚大，便不觉得先前的丰收了。”至于法老作两回梦是证明这事的准确性，而且这事必速速实现。约瑟接着说：“所以法老当拣选一个有聪明有智慧的人，派他治理埃及地。法老当这样行，又派官员管理这地；当七个丰年的时候，征收埃及地的五分之一；叫他们把将来丰年一切的粮食聚敛起来，积蓄五谷，收存在各城里作食物，归于法老的手下。所积蓄的粮食，可以防备埃及地将来的七个荒年,免得这地被饥荒所灭。”[21]{PP 220.4}
§44
The dream of Pharaoh is one, said Joseph. God hath showed Pharaoh what He is about to do. There were to be seven years of great plenty. Field and garden would yield more abundantly than ever before. And this period was to be followed by seven years of famine. And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. The repetition of the dream was evidence both of the certainty and nearness of the fulfillment. Now therefore, he continued, let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine.{PP 220.4}[21]
§45
这个解释是那么地合理而且前后一贯，所建议的方策又是那么地得当而敏捷，所以这个解释的准确性是再没有可怀疑的余地了。但是谁足以受托来执行这个计划呢？国家的生存有赖乎这次睿智的抉择。法老王很是作难了。这委任的事经过了相当时间的考虑。法老早已从酒政那里得知约瑟在管理监狱内的事务上所表现的谨慎持重；他显然具有卓越的行政能力。这时酒政深深自责，为要弥补他以先的忘恩负义，就在王面前热心赞扬他的恩人，于是王再行调查，证明酒政所说的尽都属实。在埃及全国之中，只有约瑟一个人有智慧，能指出那威胁着国家的危险，并提出应付这危机的计划；王深信他是最有资格去执行他所建议的计划之人。上帝的能力显然是与他同在的，在政府官员内，没有一个人像他那样有资格，在这个危机之中办理国事。他固然是一个希伯来人，又是一个奴隶，但与他明哲的智慧和正确的判断力衡量起来，这都是无关重要的。王对他一切的谋士说：“像这样的人，有上帝的灵在他里头，我们岂能找得着呢？”[22]{PP 221.1}
§46
The interpretation was so reasonable and consistent, and the policy which it recommended was so sound and shrewd, that its correctness could not be doubted. But who was to be entrusted with the execution of the plan? Upon the wisdom of this choice depended the nations preservation. The king was troubled. For some time the matter of the appointment was under consideration. Through the chief butler the monarch had learned of the wisdom and prudence displayed by Joseph in the management of the prison; it was evident that he possessed administrative ability in a pre-eminent degree. The cupbearer, now filled with self-reproach, endeavored to atone for his former ingratitude, by the warmest praise of his benefactor; and further inquiry by the king proved the correctness of his report. In all the realm Joseph was the only man gifted with wisdom to point out the danger that threatened the kingdom and the preparation necessary to meet it; and the king was convinced that he was the one best qualified to execute the plans which he had proposed. It was evident that a divine power was with him, and that there were none among the kings officers of state so well qualified to conduct the affairs of the nation at this crisis. The fact that he was a Hebrew and a slave was of little moment when weighed against his evident wisdom and sound judgment. Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? said the king to his counselors.{PP 221.1}[22]
§47
任命就此决定，宣布之后，使约瑟不胜惊异。法老对他说：“上帝既将这事都指示你，可见没有人像你这样有聪明有智慧。你可以掌管我的家，我的民都必听从你的话，唯独在宝座上我比你大。”于是法老将约瑟高位的标识给他戴上。“法老就摘下手上打印的戒指，戴在约瑟的手上；给他穿上细麻衣，把金链戴在他的颈项上。又叫约瑟坐他的副车，喝道的在前呼叫说，跪下。”[23]{PP 221.2}
§48
The appointment was decided upon, and to Joseph the astonishing announcement was made, Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. The king proceeded to invest Joseph with the insignia of his high office. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Josephs hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; and he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee. {PP 221.2}[23]
§49
法老“立他作王家之主，掌管他一切所有的；使他随意捆绑他的臣宰，将智慧教导他的长老。”（诗105:21-22）约瑟从监牢里一出来就升任埃及全地的宰相。这固然是一个崇高的地位，但也有不少的困难和危险。人立在高处是不能没有危险的。正如暴风刮起的时候，山谷中的小花浅草平安无事，而山上的大树却连根拔起；照样，那些在平凡的生活中能保持正直的人，或许要因属世的成功和尊荣的试探而被拖下深坑。但是约瑟的品格无论在顺境或逆境之下，都是一样经得起考验的。无论是站在法老的朝廷中，或是在囚犯的监狱里，他是一贯地显示了对上帝的忠诚。这时他依然是在异乡作客，远离他敬拜上帝的本族；但他确信圣神的手一直是引领着他的脚步，他就时常依靠上帝，忠心地尽到自己的本分。约瑟曾引领法老和埃及的伟人注意真神；他们虽然固守着拜偶像的风俗，但是他们却尊敬这个敬拜耶和华的人在生活和品格上所表现的信仰。[24]{PP 222.1}
§50
He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: to bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom. Psalm 105:21, 22. From the dungeon Joseph was exalted to be ruler over all the land of Egypt. It was a position of high honor, yet it was beset with difficulty and peril. One cannot stand upon a lofty height without danger. As the tempest leaves unharmed the lowly flower of the valley, while it uproots the stately tree upon the mountaintop, so those who have maintained their integrity in humble life may be dragged down to the pit by the temptations that assail worldly success and honor. But Josephs character bore the test alike of adversity and prosperity. The same fidelity to God was manifest when he stood in the palace of the Pharaohs as when in a prisoners cell. He was still a stranger in a heathen land, separated from his kindred, the worshipers of God; but he fully believed that the divine hand had directed his steps, and in constant reliance upon God he faithfully discharged the duties of his position. Through Joseph the attention of the king and great men of Egypt was directed to the true God; and though they adhered to their idolatry, they learned to respect the principles revealed in the life and character of the worshiper of Jehovah.{PP 222.1}[24]
§51
约瑟怎样能造成这么坚定的品格，表现这样的正直和智慧呢？因为他自幼只知以尽本分为要，而不以满足一己的爱好为重；青年时的正直纯洁的信心和高尚的品质，就在成年时期的行为上结出果子来。纯洁淳朴的生活有利于体力和智力的充分发展。约瑟常借上帝的作为与他交往，并默想那曾交托给选民的伟大真理，提高了他属灵的品质，使他心志宽广而坚定，这是任何其他方法所不能得到的。约瑟曾忠心地尽到本分——从至小的直到最大的，这就训练了他各方面的能力，去发挥其最高的效用。那依着创造主的旨意而生活的人，确能造成自己最高尚的品格。“敬畏主就是智慧，远离恶便是聪明。”（伯28:28）[25]{PP 222.2}
§52
How was Joseph enabled to make such a record of firmness of character, uprightness, and wisdom?--In his early years he had consulted duty rather than inclination; and the integrity, the simple trust, the noble nature, of the youth bore fruit in the deeds of the man. A pure and simple life had favored the vigorous development of both physical and intellectual powers. Communion with God through His works and the contemplation of the grand truths entrusted to the inheritors of faith had elevated and ennobled his spiritual nature, broadening and strengthening the mind as no other study could do. Faithful attention to duty in every station, from the lowliest to the most exalted, had been training every power for its highest service. He who lives in accordance with the Creators will is securing to himself the truest and noblest development of character. The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:28.{PP 222.2}[25]
§53
很少人能体会到生活上的琐事对品格发展所有的影响。其实我们所作的事，没有一件是小的。我们天天所应付的各样环境原是要试验我们的忠实，并使我们配担任更重要的委任。由于在通常生活上固守正义，人就必习于重视本分过于嗜好享乐了。人一旦受过这样的训练，断不会在是非之间像风前的芦苇一样，摇摆不定；他们自会忠于职守，因为他们已经养成自己忠诚信实的习惯。他们既在小事上忠心，就必获得能力在大事上忠心了。[26]{PP 222.3}
§54
There are few who realize the influence of the little things of life upon the development of character. Nothing with which we have to do is really small. The varied circumstances that we meet day by day are designed to test our faithfulness and to qualify us for greater trusts. By adherence to principle in the transactions of ordinary life, the mind becomes accustomed to hold the claims of duty above those of pleasure and inclination. Minds thus disciplined are not wavering between right and wrong, like the reed trembling in the wind; they are loyal to duty because they have trained themselves to habits of fidelity and truth. By faithfulness in that which is least they acquire strength to be faithful in greater matters.{PP 222.3}[26]
§55
正直的品格比俄斐的精金更有价值。人若没有这样的品格，就不能高升到一个尊荣显要的地位。但品格并不是由遗传承受的，也不能用金钱来购买。品格的优美和智能的高雅，都非一朝一夕之功。最可贵的天赋若不加以培养，就没有什么价值。造就高尚的品格乃是毕生的工作，是殷勤不倦之努力的结果。上帝赐给人机会；但人的成功，则有赖乎怎样利用这些机会。[27]{PP 223.1}
§56
An upright character is of greater worth than the gold of Ophir. Without it none can rise to an honorable eminence. But character is not inherited. It cannot be bought. Moral excellence and fine mental qualities are not the result of accident. The most precious gifts are of no value unless they are improved. The formation of a noble character is the work of a lifetime and must be the result of diligent and persevering effort. God gives opportunities; success depends upon the use made of them.{PP 223.1}[27]