That I May Not Cause Pain

Not much is known about Jabez, as Scripture offers limited information about him. However, it does highlight that he was more honourable than his brothers, which speaks of his true character. Interestingly, his mother chose to name him Jabez, which means “the one who causes pain,” because she experienced great pain during his birth (1 Chronicles 4:9).

It seems that Jabez’s mother did not understand the consequences of giving him such a name.  Her choice acted as a negative prophecy, a curse that could have dramatically altered the course of his life forever, if the Lord had not stepped in.

Jabez experienced God’s grace when he realised that he did not have to accept the name his mother gave him, fully aware of the implications it carried. Therefore, he chose to reject the negative prophecy tied to his name. His great desire was to avoid causing harm to others, and he earnestly prayed to the Lord to remove the curse over his life: ‘that you would keep me from all evil, that I may not cause pain.’

Jabez had remarkable insight and a deep knowledge of spiritual matters. He trusted in the Lord and believed that the Lord could and would rescue him from evil. His faith moved God's hand, who responded by fulfilling Jabez's wishes, as it is written in verse 10: ‘So God granted him what he requested.’

The name given to Jabez could have created a false identity in him. However, he was wise and perceptive enough to realise that that label did not define who he truly was.

What about you? Have you ever been labelled with names that do not represent who you are? Perhaps someone has called you a failure or belittled you as worthless or useless. If this resonates with you, remember not to let those words define you. You were made in God’s image, and there is no failure in Him. No matter what failures you have faced in the past, they do not have to write your final chapter with God.