Bible Study: Jacob Returns Home — A Lesson About Envy and Trusting God
What happens when we start comparing ourselves to others? When we let envy creep in, it often leads to resentment—and even broken relationships. In today’s Bible study from Genesis 31:1–21, we’ll take a look at what happened when Jacob returns home after years of living under Laban’s roof, and how jealousy nearly tore a family apart.
Let’s explore how Jacob’s journey can teach us something powerful about faith, unfair treatment, and how to respond when people envy our success.
Jacob’s Blessing Sparks Envy
“Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, ‘Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what belonged to our father he has made all this wealth.’ And Jacob saw the attitude of Laban, and behold, it was not friendly toward him as formerly. Then the Lord said to Jacob, ‘Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.'” – Genesis 31:1–3 (NASB)
Tensions are rising. Jacob has become prosperous—blessed by God—but his success has stirred up envy in Laban’s sons. They start grumbling, accusing Jacob of taking what rightfully belonged to their family. Even Laban’s attitude has shifted.
Sensing hostility, Jacob listens to God’s voice and prepares to return home to Canaan—but he does it quietly, without fanfare.
Envy Turns to Hostility
It’s not hard to see why Laban’s sons are upset. They’ve watched Jacob’s success grow, and instead of seeing God’s hand in it, they feel cheated. This is envy in full force—jealousy that clouds judgment and poisons relationships.
Sound familiar? We’ve all felt a twinge of that when someone else gets the job, the car, the house—or the recognition—we hoped for.
Life Isn’t Always Fair
Let’s be real. Life doesn’t always feel fair. Jacob served Laban for years under some unfair circumstances. He was tricked into marrying Leah, worked long hours, and still kept going.
And yet, God continued to bless him.
Have you ever been treated unfairly? Felt overlooked or unappreciated? Most of us have. And just like Jacob, how we respond makes all the difference.
React or Respond?
When you’re hurt or treated unfairly, how do you handle it?
- Do you react in anger or bitterness?
- Or do you respond with grace and trust God with the outcome?
Jacob chose to obey God, even when the situation was uncomfortable. He didn’t retaliate—he returned home in faith.
Success Isn’t the Enemy—Envy Is
When we let envy rule our hearts, we become blind to what God is doing. Laban’s sons measured everything by material wealth. They couldn’t see the spiritual blessing or purpose in Jacob’s life.
Yes, their fear of losing an inheritance is understandable. But instead of trusting God, they blamed Jacob. That’s what envy does—it shifts our focus to what others have and breeds resentment.
Stay True to Who God Made You to Be
Here’s the truth: You’re not Jacob. You’re not Laban. And you’re not anyone else you compare yourself to. Fact is, you are you—uniquely gifted and called by God for a purpose only you can fulfill. This quote says it all:
“Don’t blame other people for what you are.” – Clay Sherman
When we stop comparing and start trusting, we open the door for God’s blessing in our lives—not someone else’s version of success. Instead of letting envy distract you, focus on what God has given you to do—and do it with your whole heart.
When Jacob Returns Home, We Learn a Lesson
As Jacob returns home, we see a man who has been faithful, even when things weren’t fair. We see a man who chose to walk in obedience instead of fighting back. And we see the damage that envy can do when left unchecked.
If you’ve been on the receiving end of unfair treatment, or you’ve struggled with comparing yourself to others—know this:
- God sees you.
- He has a plan for your life.
- And when you walk in faith, He will be with you, just like He was with Jacob.
Have you ever experienced jealousy or envy—on either side of it? How did you deal with it? When these feelings creep into our minds, let’s remember this lesson from Jacob.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here to learn more.