When Jacob, growing weary of Laban's service, proposed to return to Canaan, he said to his father-in-law, "Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country. Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee." But Laban urged him to remain, declaring, "I have learned by experience that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake." He saw that his property was increasing under the care of his son-in-law.

Den hyrde, der er fyldt af Kristi ånd, vil efterligne hans selvfornægtende eksempel og stadig arbejde for deres velfærd, som er ham betroet. Så vil hjorden trives under hans omsorg.