What exactly was Laban thinking when he agreed to Jacob’s request to work seven years for the right to marry Rachel? Did he expect that his older daughter, Leah, would be married before the seven years were up? Did he suspect Jacob’s infatuation with his younger daughter would fade?

We don’t know, of course – Scripture doesn’t tell us – but this account, along with the ongoing motif of deception in Jacob’s life reminds us of our need to live with integrity. God’s people are called to speak the truth at all times – nothing we say should even look like a lie (Proverbs 12:22; 2 Corinthians 8:21; Colossians 3:9; Hebrews 13:18). We live with integrity because we want to reflect God’s nature to the world and because we find rest, joy and salvation in His truth, Jesus Christ.

• How can you live with increased integrity at home, school and in your community?