As I read this portion of scripture I was struck by a couple of things.  First, it's incredible to me that Joseph was able to store up enough food during the years of plenty that Egypt and the surrounding peoples did not end up going hungry.  He obviously knew what he was doing.

Secondly, I started to question Joseph's actions when he began taking the people's livestock and land in exchange for their food.  Somehow I figured that Joseph would say something like, "We don't want you to starve, so just take all that you need."  This obviously wasn't the case.  What really interested me were the words of the people in 47:25, "You have saved our lives…"  They weren't bitter or angry; they were desperate.  Joseph wasn't taking advantage of people in their time of need; he was trying to be wise and keep them from their sufferings.  I guess it all comes down to perspective.