26. The seven good cows are seven years. And the seven good heads of grain are seven years. Both dreams mean the same thing.
27. "The seven thin, ugly cows that came up later are seven years. So are the seven worthless heads of grain that were dried up by the east wind. They are seven years when there won't be enough food.
28. "It's exactly as I said to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what he's about to do.
29. Seven years with plenty of food are coming to the whole land of Egypt.
30. "But seven years when there won't be enough food will follow them. Then everyone will forget about all of the food Egypt had. Terrible hunger will destroy the land.
31. There won't be anything left to remind people of the years when there was plenty of food in the land. That's how bad the hunger that follows will be.
32. "God gave the dream to Pharaoh in two forms. That's because the matter has been firmly decided by God. And it's because God will do it soon.
33. "So Pharaoh should look for a wise and understanding man. He should put him in charge of the land of Egypt.
34. "Pharaoh should appoint officials to be in charge of the land. They should take a fifth of the harvest in Egypt during the seven years when there's plenty of food.
35. They should collect all of the extra food of the good years that are coming. Pharaoh should give them authority to store up the grain. They should keep it in the cities for food.
36. "The grain should be stored up for the country to use later. It will be needed during the seven years when there isn't enough food in Egypt. Then the country won't be destroyed just because it doesn't have enough food."
37. The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and all of his officials.
38. So Pharaoh said to them, "The spirit of God is in this man. We can't find anyone else like him, can we?"
39. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "God has made all of this known to you. No one is as wise and understanding as you are.
40. You will be in charge of my palace. All of my people must obey your orders. I will be greater than you only because I'm the one who sits on the throne."