Joseph the Diligent Worker Who Stood Before Pharaoh

Another interpretation of "Rise early in the morning" (Exodus 9:13). This is what Scripture says: "Do you see a man diligent in his work? [He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before obscure men]" (Proverbs 22:29). Rabbi Judah and Rabbi Nehemiah. Rabbi Judah says: It speaks of Joseph at the time when he was sold into Egypt. "Diligent in his work" — "and he came into the house to do his work" (Genesis 39:11). "He shall stand before kings" (Proverbs, ibid.) — this is Joseph. What is written concerning him? "And Joseph was thirty years old [when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt]" (Genesis 41:46). "He shall not stand before obscure men" (Proverbs, ibid.) — this is the wife of Potiphar.