Genesis 30-32 The Fear of Man

One trait we have seen in the life of Jacob is fear. In fact, he is the epitome of this verse from Proverbs: “the fear of man is a snare.” [Prov 29:25] What does that fear look and behave like? Jacob deceived his father Isaac and again when Laban tricked him. Yet, Laban’s trickery was greater than Jacob’s Jacob asked for his wages only to be given a test that Laban hoped he would fail, but God had a greater plan. In his fear, he left with his family to return to Canaan.

Jacob even announced that truth to Laban; “I left secretly because I was afraid!” Twenty years have passed. We have seen the fruit of Jacob’s deceit with Isaac but God placed Laban in his presence to show him that deceit never is blessed by God, yet Jacob has not learned that principle so far. He again sought to deceive others and paid the price as his own children adopted that same way of life. 

So it is with us more often than not. Deceit is like a revolving door. Once it is opened, it continues to turn again and again. Beloved, we must terminate that behavior and speak truth not lies.