Genesis 32:5 Daily Devotional & Meaning – That I May Find Grace in Thy Sight
Daily Verses Everyday! Day 203
“And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.”
Jacob continued the message he had prepared for Esau by saying, “And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants.” At first glance, this statement might sound like Jacob was announcing his wealth. He had returned from his years with Laban as a prosperous man, possessing livestock, servants, wives, and children. Yet the tone and purpose of Jacob’s message show that he was not boasting. He was humbly revealing what God had given him so that Esau would understand that Jacob was not returning to seize anything from him.
Jacob’s wealth was real, but he presented it without pride.
There is an important difference between honestly disclosing what we possess and boasting about it. Boasting draws attention to wealth so that others will admire, envy, or feel inferior to us. Humble disclosure communicates necessary information without making personal possessions the foundation of one’s identity.
Jacob did not say, “Tell Esau how powerful, successful, and important I have become.” He did not compare his wealth with Esau’s wealth or suggest that his prosperity made him superior. He simply listed what he possessed and then immediately returned to the language of humility: “I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.”
Jacob mentioned his wealth while still calling Esau “my lord” and seeking grace from him.
This is a humble way of displaying prosperity. Jacob did not pretend to be poor, helpless, or unsuccessful. Humility does not require a person to deny the blessings God has given. It requires the person to speak about those blessings without pride, exaggeration, or self-exaltation.
Sometimes believers mistakenly think humility means hiding every accomplishment, refusing every compliment, or speaking negatively about themselves. Yet humility is not dishonesty. A wealthy person does not become humble by pretending to have nothing. A gifted person does not become humble by claiming to have no ability. A successful person does not become humble by denying that anything has gone well.
True humility acknowledges the truth while giving God the glory.
Paul demonstrated this balance in First Corinthians 15:10 when he wrote, “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” Paul did not deny the work he had accomplished. He continued, “I laboured more abundantly than they all.” Yet he immediately added, “yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
Paul could acknowledge his labor without boasting because he recognized grace as the source of everything good within him.
Jacob’s message carried a similar spirit, although his faith was still developing. He acknowledged his possessions, but he did not present them as proof that Esau should submit to him. Instead, he humbled himself and sought Esau’s favor.
Jacob’s list also served a practical purpose. He wanted Esau to know that he was not returning home because he needed Isaac’s property. The blessing Jacob had received from Isaac included promises concerning material abundance. Genesis 27:28 says, “Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine.”
Esau may have feared that Jacob was returning to claim the entire family estate. Jacob’s message reassured him that this was not his intention. Jacob already possessed oxen, asses, flocks, and servants. He was not approaching Esau as a desperate man seeking to take away what Esau had built during the previous twenty years.
In effect, Jacob was saying, “God has already provided for me. I am not coming to rob you, displace you, or fight over possessions.”
This is why his description of wealth was not boastful. The purpose was not self-promotion but peace.
Our motive often determines whether speaking about wealth or success becomes prideful. The same facts can be communicated in completely different spirits. One person may mention an accomplishment because it is relevant and helpful. Another may mention the same accomplishment because he wants praise.
Proverbs 27:2 teaches, “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” This does not mean that we must never state anything positive about our lives. It warns us against becoming our own constant promoters.
A humble person does not need every conversation to become an advertisement for personal greatness.
Jacob’s message was restrained. He listed what he possessed, but he did not describe every detail of his wealth. He did not announce the number of animals, the size of his household, or the value of his possessions. He gave Esau enough information to understand his position without turning the message into a celebration of himself.
This restraint is part of humility.
Boasting often adds unnecessary detail because the speaker wants to impress the listener. Humility communicates what is needed and then moves on.
There may be times when it is wiser to humbly reveal what God has given us rather than hide it. A person applying for employment may need to describe experience, education, and accomplishments. Someone seeking to help a ministry may need to explain what resources are available. A business owner may need to demonstrate financial stability. A leader may need to show that he possesses the ability to carry out a responsibility.
None of these things are automatically prideful. They become prideful when the heart seeks its own glory rather than faithfully communicating the truth.
Jesus taught in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The works were visible, but the glory was directed toward God.
Humility does not always hide the light. It makes certain that the light points beyond us to the One who gave it.
Jacob’s possessions were ultimately evidence of God’s faithfulness. Years earlier, when he left Canaan, Jacob had very little. In Genesis 32:10, he would confess, “With my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.”
Jacob knew that the increase had not come through his strength alone. Laban had repeatedly changed his wages and attempted to prevent him from prospering, yet God continued to bless him. Genesis 31:7–9 records Jacob saying that Laban had changed his wages ten times, but God did not allow Laban to hurt him. Jacob then said, “Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.”
Jacob’s wealth testified to divine preservation.
However, Jacob did not tell Esau, “Look how greatly God has blessed me compared with you.” Such language would have been unnecessarily provocative and prideful. He presented his prosperity in a way intended to remove fear rather than create jealousy.
This teaches us that even truthful statements should be guided by love. First Corinthians 13:4 says that charity “vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” Love does not parade its achievements before others merely to establish superiority.
A person can tell the truth about success and still speak without love. We may use wealth, education, titles, possessions, influence, or spiritual accomplishments to make another person feel small.
Jacob had once competed with Esau for the birthright and blessing. Now he was not trying to win another contest. He was trying to show Esau that there was no need for competition.
This was especially important because material possessions had been part of their original conflict. The birthright involved family privilege and inheritance. Isaac’s blessing involved prosperity, authority, and the fruitfulness of the land. Jacob now needed to communicate that he was not returning to remove Esau from his place.
Material wealth can easily divide families. Arguments over inheritances, businesses, land, homes, and personal possessions can produce bitterness that lasts for generations. Siblings who once loved one another may become enemies because each believes the other has received more.
Jesus warned against allowing possessions to control the heart. In Luke 12:15, He said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Jacob possessed oxen, asses, flocks, and servants, but these things could not reconcile him to Esau. Wealth could help demonstrate that Jacob was not coming to take Esau’s property, but it could not heal the relationship by itself.
A person can possess much and still desperately need grace.
Jacob admitted this when he said, “that I may find grace in thy sight.” He did not imagine that his wealth entitled him to Esau’s acceptance. He did not send his financial inventory as though Esau would be forced to respect him because he had become rich.
Jacob possessed great material wealth, yet he approached as someone seeking grace.
That combination is significant. Wealth often tempts people to believe they no longer need anyone’s favor. Money can provide comfort, influence, security, and options, but it cannot purchase every important thing in life.
Jacob’s animals and servants could not buy forgiveness. They could not erase Esau’s memory. They could not guarantee peace. They could not remove Jacob’s guilt or control Esau’s heart.
Proverbs 11:4 says, “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.” Jacob’s wealth was useful, but it was not sufficient for the crisis he faced.
This is still true. Money can pay bills, purchase property, provide medical care, support ministry, feed families, and relieve suffering. Wealth can be used for great good. Yet it cannot purchase salvation, genuine love, a clean conscience, peace with God, or eternal life.
First Timothy 6:17 instructs those who are rich in this world not to be “highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”
The danger is not merely possessing wealth. The danger is becoming proud because of it or trusting in it as though it were God.
Jacob’s language teaches a healthier posture. He acknowledged what he had while remaining humble enough to ask for grace.
There are people who become embarrassed by the blessings God has given them and attempt to hide everything. Sometimes this comes from a sincere desire not to boast. Yet there are also occasions when hiding our resources may prevent us from using them responsibly or communicating honestly.
It may be better to humbly display wealth than to conceal it falsely or announce it boastfully.
The emphasis must remain upon humility. Jacob’s message was not, “Look at everything I have.” It was, “I have sufficient provision, and I come seeking peace.”
A humble display of wealth does not demand admiration. It does not exaggerate. It does not compare. It does not turn possessions into a measure of human worth. It simply acknowledges what God has provided and uses that information for a righteous purpose.
Abraham’s servant did something similar when speaking to Rebekah’s family. In Genesis 24:35, he said, “And the Lord hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great.” He then described Abraham’s flocks, herds, silver, gold, servants, camels, and asses.
The servant was not boasting about Abraham merely to impress the family. The information was relevant to the marriage proposal. More importantly, he clearly identified the source of Abraham’s prosperity: “The Lord hath blessed my master greatly.”
That is the language of humility. The prosperity was real, but the glory belonged to God.
King David also recognized this truth when the people gave generously for the building of the temple. In First Chronicles 29:12, David prayed, “Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all.” He then asked in verse 14, “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort?” David understood that everything they gave had first come from God.
The humble person does not say, “I earned everything by myself.” He recognizes that strength, health, opportunity, intelligence, relationships, and even the ability to work are gifts sustained by God.
Deuteronomy 8:17–18 warned Israel not to say, “My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.” They were commanded to remember the Lord, “for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth.”
Jacob had worked extremely hard for what he possessed. Genesis 31:40 describes him enduring heat by day, frost by night, and sleeplessness. His labor was real. Yet God was the One who protected his labor and caused it to prosper despite Laban’s opposition.
Acknowledging God’s blessing does not erase human effort. It places human effort within the larger reality of divine grace.
This protects the heart from pride. We may work faithfully, make wise decisions, develop skills, and endure years of sacrifice. We should not deny these things. Yet behind every accomplishment stands a God who gave life, opportunity, ability, and provision.
First Corinthians 4:7 asks, “What hast thou that thou didst not receive?” If everything good has ultimately been received, there is no rightful place for boasting.
Jacob’s message also reveals that possessions can be used as instruments of peace rather than weapons of pride. In the following verses, Jacob would send gifts from his livestock to Esau. His wealth would become a means through which he attempted to express goodwill.
Wealth is morally dangerous when it is hoarded, worshiped, or used to control others. Yet wealth can become a blessing when it is used generously, wisely, and peacefully.
First Timothy 6:18 instructs wealthy believers “that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” God does not merely ask what we possess. He asks how we use what we possess.
Jacob could have used his large household and possessions to impress Esau, threaten him, or establish himself as a rival power. Instead, he used them to communicate that he came in peace and later to offer a generous gift.
This is one mark of humility: possessions become tools for serving rather than trophies for displaying superiority.
There is also wisdom in Jacob’s decision to let Esau know about his resources before their meeting. If Jacob had arrived unexpectedly with a large company of people, livestock, and servants, Esau might have misunderstood his intentions. What Jacob possessed was substantial enough to appear threatening.
By describing his household in advance, Jacob removed some of the mystery surrounding his approach. He was not secretly gathering an army. His company consisted largely of livestock, servants, women, and children.
Transparent communication can prevent unnecessary suspicion.
Sometimes people hide information because they fear appearing prideful, but the secrecy creates greater confusion. Honest humility may require us to clearly state what we possess, what we have accomplished, or what we are capable of doing.
The question is whether the disclosure serves truth, peace, responsibility, or service.
Jacob’s disclosure served reconciliation.
The final words of the message reveal Jacob’s primary desire: “that I may find grace in thy sight.”
Grace means favor, kindness, or acceptance that is not demanded as a right. Jacob did not command Esau to receive him. He appealed to him.
This was a dramatic change from Jacob’s earlier behavior. The young Jacob had taken what he desired through bargaining and deception. He had attempted to control outcomes. Now he sought something that could only be freely given.
Grace cannot be seized. It must be received.
Jacob could bring wealth, send messengers, and offer gifts, but Esau’s favor remained outside his control. Jacob had to humble himself and ask.
This points us toward the greater grace every person needs from God. We may possess wealth, education, influence, religious knowledge, or good works, but none of these things give us the right to demand salvation.
Ephesians 2:8–9 declares, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Before God, the wealthiest and poorest person stand in the same position. Both are sinners in need of mercy. Riches cannot raise one person above another at the foot of the cross.
James 1:9–10 tells the brother of low degree to rejoice in being exalted and the rich to rejoice in being made low. The gospel humbles the rich and lifts the poor because both find their true identity in Christ.
Jacob’s wealth did not make him worthy of grace, but neither did it prevent him from seeking grace. He brought the truth of his circumstances while bowing in humility.
That is how we must come before God. We do not need to pretend that we possess nothing of earthly value, but neither can we present our possessions as payment for divine favor. We come confessing that everything we have came from Him and that our salvation depends entirely upon His mercy.
Jacob’s message therefore holds together two truths that people often separate: honest acknowledgment and genuine humility.
He acknowledged, “I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants.”
He humbled himself by saying, “I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.”
He did not hide his wealth, but he did not worship it. He did not deny his prosperity, but he did not use it to exalt himself above Esau. He displayed what he had in a restrained and peaceful way.
This is a valuable example for anyone whom God has blessed materially.
We should not constantly announce what we own, how much we earn, where we travel, what we have purchased, or how successful we have become. Jesus warned in Matthew 6:1 against doing good works before others for the purpose of being seen by them.
The heart that always needs an audience may be seeking the praise of men rather than the approval of God.
At the same time, we need not become fearful of ever mentioning anything positive. There are moments when the responsible, truthful, and loving thing is to state what God has provided.
The key is to ask why we are speaking.
Are we trying to make others admire us?
Are we attempting to make someone jealous?
Are we comparing ourselves with people who possess less?
Are we seeking praise, status, or recognition?
Or are we communicating necessary information, giving testimony to God’s faithfulness, offering help, or pursuing peace?
Jacob’s motive included fear, but his message was nevertheless humble. He desired Esau’s favor more than Esau’s admiration.
Wealth displayed with pride says, “See how great I am.”
Wealth displayed with humility says, “God has provided for me, and I desire to use what He has given for a good purpose.”
The difference is not found only in the amount revealed. It is found in the condition of the heart.
Psalm 62:10 says, “If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” Scripture does not say that riches can never increase. It commands us not to attach our hearts to them.
Jacob’s wealth had increased greatly, but he was about to discover again that his life depended upon something far greater than animals and servants. He needed God’s protection, Esau’s mercy, and spiritual transformation.
The richest man in the region could still tremble before an unresolved relationship.
Possessions can make life easier, but they cannot make us complete. Only God can provide the grace, identity, security, and peace the human heart truly needs.
Jacob’s message is therefore both an example and a warning. It shows us that wealth can be mentioned without boasting when it is communicated honestly, modestly, and for a peaceful purpose. It also reminds us that wealth must never become our confidence.
Jacob possessed much, but he still said, “that I may find grace.”
May we learn to speak about God’s blessings without pride. May we neither exaggerate what we possess nor pretend that God has given us nothing. May we display His provision only when it serves truth, peace, generosity, testimony, or faithful responsibility.
And whenever we speak of what we have, may our attitude resemble David’s confession: “Both riches and honour come of thee.”
Everything belongs to God. Everything we possess has been entrusted to us temporarily. Wealth is not proof of greater human worth, nor is poverty proof of lesser worth. Our possessions do not define us, save us, or make us deserving of another person’s grace.
Jacob listed his riches, but he bowed his heart.
He possessed oxen, asses, flocks, menservants, and womenservants, yet he still approached Esau as a servant seeking favor.
That is the humility prosperity requires: to possess much without becoming possessed by it, to speak honestly without boasting, and to remember that no amount of earthly wealth removes our continual need for grace.
This is also the goal I have for this entire project. I want to be honest about what God allows it to become without ever turning its growth into an opportunity to glorify myself. If the books sell, the website reaches more people, the reflections are shared, or the project gains recognition, I do not want the message to be, “Look at what I have accomplished.” I want it to be, “Look at what God has done through an ordinary person who was willing to keep going.” Like Jacob, I do not need to pretend that the blessings are not real. It is right to acknowledge progress, celebrate milestones, and share what God has provided. Yet those blessings must always be presented humbly, because they were never given merely for my personal gain.
My prayer is that God will use this work for His gain rather than mine. I want every verse, every reflection, every book, and every page of the website to point people toward Scripture and ultimately toward Jesus Christ. If God grants the project a large audience, financial success, or lasting influence, I pray that I will remember that these things are tools for ministry rather than trophies for pride. Psalm 115:1 says, “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory.” That must remain the heart of this work. The purpose is not simply for people to know my name, but for people to know God’s Word. It is not merely to build a successful platform, but to build something God can use to draw people closer to Himself.
John the Baptist expressed the proper attitude toward ministry when he said of Christ, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” in John 3:30. That does not mean we should hide the work God has called us to do. John openly preached, baptized, and gathered disciples, but he understood that his entire ministry existed to direct attention toward Christ. In the same way, I want this project to grow only if its growth causes Christ to increase in the hearts and minds of those who encounter it. If people remember the reflections but forget the Savior to whom they point, then the project has missed its highest purpose.
First Corinthians 10:31 teaches, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” That includes writing, publishing, building a website, sharing milestones, and discussing success. There is nothing wrong with wanting the project to succeed, especially when success means more people are reading Scripture and receiving encouragement. The danger begins when personal recognition becomes more important than faithfulness. Therefore, I pray that God will continually examine my motives and remind me that the work belongs to Him.
Like Jacob, I can humbly acknowledge what has been built. I do not need to deny the hours of writing, the daily discipline, the number of verses completed, or the progress of the website. These things are real, and sharing them can help others understand the size and purpose of the project. Yet I must never speak of them as though I created the opportunity, strength, time, or ability entirely by myself. First Corinthians 4:7 asks, “What hast thou that thou didst not receive?” Every idea, every open door, every reader, every completed reflection, and every opportunity to continue is a gift from God.
Therefore, when I speak about this project, I want to do so as Jacob spoke about his possessions: openly, truthfully, and humbly. I can say what has been accomplished without boasting, because the purpose is not to make others admire me. The purpose is to show what God is allowing to grow and to invite people to receive something that may help them understand His Word. The project may carry my name as its author, but I pray that its fruit will carry the name of Christ.
If God chooses to make the work known, may that recognition become a doorway through which more people encounter Scripture. If He provides income through it, may that provision strengthen my family and give me greater freedom to continue serving Him. If He allows the project to endure for generations, may future readers see evidence of His faithfulness rather than merely human ambition. Whatever success may come, the deepest desire must remain the same: that God use it for His kingdom, His glory, and His gain rather than mine.
If you would like to explore Genesis in a sustained, verse-by-verse way with space to reflect, journal, and trace how these foundational truths unfold through Scripture the Verse by Verse book expands these reflections into a unified reading experience. The book gathers these meditations into a structured journey through Genesis, designed to help readers linger in the text and engage God’s Word more deeply over time.
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