The land of Egypt [is] before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest [any] men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.
Ver. 6. If thou knowest any men of activity.] Or ability of body and mind; such as "Jeroboam, a mighty man of valour," 1Ki 11:28 and fit for the work; prudent and diligent, ingenious and industrious, that hath a dexterity and handiness to the business. Such St Paul would have all Christians to be. Titus 3:8 ; Tit 3:14 "Let them that have believed in God," saith he, "be careful to maintain good works," or profess honest trades, "for necessary uses," and that therein they be their crafts masters, and excel others, Aιεν αριστευειν και υπειροχον εμμεναι αλλων. This was Cicero's posy from his youth, as himself witnesseth. And Plutarch tells us that all his strife and drift was, all his life long, to leave others behind him, and to be the best at anything he ever undertook. a This should he every man's endeavour in his place and station, as that which is "good before God, and profitable unto men," as the apostle there subjoineth. Solomon also assures us that such shall "stand before kings," and not live long in a low place. Pro 22:29
a των καλων εργων προιστασθαι. - Homer. ινα παντων κραστος τυγχανη. - Plut.