Did Jacob need to deceive Isaac in order to receive the blessing of his father before he died? When Rebekah said to Isaac that she was disgusted with the daughters of Heth whom Esau had married and that if Jacob did likewise, "what good will my life be to me", Isaac calls Jacob and blessed him and sent him to Padan-Aram to take a wife there from the daughters of Laban, his mother's brother. The blessing he gives him then is a great blessing, greater than the one he gave when deceived. Surely we do not have to scheme and lie and steal in order to receive the blessing that God will give to the righteous.

David says God will establish the just, "My shield [is] on God, Saviour of the upright in heart."

We are to walk in the way of righteousness and be a blessing to all people.

Jacob makes a vow, asking that if God will be with him and provide bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come back to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my Lord.

How little are our needs in this life! Food and clothing and to be at peace with others.

Surely we should simplify our lives to want less!