Joseph was handsome, and when he was appointed viceroy, the noble young women of Egypt sought to attract his attention, but he did not give it to them. Joseph, who exhibited restraint, was richly rewarded.

Jacob said of Joseph: “Joseph is a fruitful tree…girls stride on the wall” (Genesis 49:22). When Joseph went out to rule over Egypt, the princesses would peek at him through the windows, and they would throw bracelets, and necklaces, and rings toward him so that he would raise his eyes and look at them. Nevertheless, he would not look at them. The Holy One, blessed be He, said to Joseph: You did not raise your eyes and look at them; I take an oath by your life that you will give your daughters a portion in the Torah. (Bereshit Rabba 89)