Let Your Honesty Answer for You

Note from today’s Bible reading: Genesis 30-31

After working for his father-in-law for many years, Jacob expressed his desire to depart and find a place in his own country (Genesis 30:25). Laban, his father-in-law, told him to name his wages before he departed (Genesis 30:28).

Through Jacob’s work and the blessing of God, Laban’s flock increased greatly (Genesis 30:30). He had certainly earned his wages. Yet the only request Jacob made was to have the speckled and spotted sheep and goats for himself.

Jacob told Laban, “So my honesty will answer for me later” (Genesis 30:33). If Jacob were dishonest or stole some of Laban’s animals, it would be obvious. By making this offer, he ensured that he could not rightly be accused of wrongdoing. Laban also knew Jacob was trustworthy, given his history, so he agreed to these terms.

The only way this arrangement could work was for Jacob to work diligently and honestly throughout his time with Laban. If he had not earned a reputation for keeping his word and providing the effort to help his father-in-law, he would not have earned his trust. The same principle is true for us today. We need to work and conduct ourselves in such a way that we earn a reputation that allows people to trust us.

So let your honesty answer for you. Show yourself to be a diligent worker who faithfully carries out your responsibilities. Earning someone’s trust can only come from consistently doing and saying what is right.