1. When may I do something for my house? (25-34)

Jacob completed the 14-year contract for his two wives. He was a man who set goals and got what he wanted. He had wanted honor, so he got the birthright from Esau; he wanted love, so he got Rachel--and three other wives, as well. God made use of this less-than-ideal situation to bless him with eleven sons and a daughter. Now Jacob turned his attention to money. He was only a hired hand in Laban's house, but Laban knew that Jacob was the key to God's blessing, so he did not want him to leave. He negotiated a new contract with him.

2. Laban's deception and God's blessing (35-43)

Laban agreed to give Jacob the less desirable animals--the spotted, speckled, and dark ones. Then, before the flock could be separated, he removed all such animals from his flock and gave them to his sons. Jacob worked hard to overcome Laban's treachery. He could succeed because God blessed him (31:5-9).

Application: Lord, let me learn diligence from Jacob, but teach my heart to trust you for your blessing.
One Word: God is the source of blessing