QT 10/29/2025 Gen 29:15–30, Cleverness is fool's gold for the Christian

Genesis 29:15–30 (ESV) —

15 Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” 16 Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. 18 Jacob loved Rachel. And he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” 19 Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me.” 20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.

21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife that I may go in to her, for my time is completed.” 22 So Laban gathered together all the people of the place and made a feast. 23 But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her. 24 (Laban gave his female servant Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her servant.) 25 And in the morning, behold, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” 26 Laban said, “It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. 27 Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.” 28 Jacob did so, and completed her week. Then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. 29 (Laban gave his female servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel to be her servant.) 30 So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and he loved Rachel more than Leah, and served Laban for another seven years.

 

NOTE: I imagine that Laban knew exactly what he was doing. He had seven years to find a husband for Leah, and when that did not work out, he made the switch. I also think that there is no such rule about giving the younger before the older. And then to add another 7 years out of work from Jacob is pretty deceitful. Jacob only had to wait another week, but he (probably out of love) agreed to another 7 years of servitude. After these 14 years, he will then start working on his own "house," and Laban will change the terms of the deal continually. Still, whatever Laban does, God reverses. It will seem to Jacob that he is being clever, but somehow, he will finally realize that it is God who has blessed him, not his own cleverness.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I see my success as the result of my cleverness? As a believer in Jesus Christ, I must give God the thankfulness and praise of all I have.
2. Some people do get rich out of cleverness on their part, but as a believer in God, it will all collapse in the end if we do not recognize the creator.

 

PRAYER: Father, for years, I have thought of myself as clever. But is clear as I look back, I would be a mess without you hand guiding me. Forgive me for my pride, help me to live in such a way as to bring you praise and honor for all that you have done in my life.