Jacob’s Shows Some Wisdom

Genesis 30:29–34 (NASB95) 

29But he said to him, “You yourself know how I have served you and how your cattle have fared with me. 30“For you had little before I came and it has increased to a multitude, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I turned. But now, when shall I provide for my own household also?” 31So he said, “What shall I give you?” And Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this one thing for me, I will again pasture and keep your flock: 32let me pass through your entire flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted sheep and every black one among the lambs and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and such shall be my wages. 33“So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come concerning my wages. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, will be considered stolen.” 34Laban said, “Good, let it be according to your word.” 

Jacob faced a difficult situation. He had served Laban faithfully for many years. Laban’s wealth had grown because of Jacob’s hard work and God’s blessing. Now Jacob wanted to return to the land he had been promised. Laban offered to pay Jacob whatever he wanted to stay. Jacob’s response showed wisdom. 

Jacob asked for the speckled and spotted sheep and goats as his wages. These animals were rare in the flock. To Laban, Jacob’s request seemed small and safe. Laban thought he had the better end of the deal. But Jacob understood animal breeding. He knew how to use his skills to grow his own flock. Jacob made his terms clear and honest. He said that any animal in his care that did not fit the agreed pattern would be considered stolen. Jacob’s plan protected both himself and Laban from future disputes. 

Jacob’s wisdom stands out. He trusted God’s blessing. He used the knowledge and skills God had given him. He acted with integrity. Jacob did not try to cheat Laban, even though Laban had cheated him before. Jacob’s faith and wisdom worked together. God honored Jacob’s efforts and blessed him. 

God calls us to work with excellence and integrity, even when others do not treat us fairly. We should use the gifts and knowledge He gives us. We should trust His timing and His provision. Faith does not mean we stop thinking or planning. God expects us to act wise as we work within his plan.