Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

There was once a boy named Sorrow. His mother gave him that name because she bore him in pain. You can imagine that with a name like that, it’s quite likely no one liked him.

So do you know what Sorrow, otherwise known as Jabez in the Old Testament, did? He called on the God of Israel to BLESS him!

“Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory.” That’s asking God for provision and increase.

He also asked for God’s hand to be with him so that he would be blessed in all that he did and be protected from harm. God not only granted Jabez his request, but He also considered Jabez more honorable than his brothers!

Today, do the honorable thing—ask the Lord to increase and enlarge the favor, wisdom, abilities, and opportunities for growth you currently have to a whole new level. Ask Him for divine wisdom to protect you from making unwise decisions that lead to painful consequences.