When we read through the Bible, we're inclined to skip the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles because they're just lists of names. But here and there we can find interesting nuggets of information. The two verses about Jabez are a case in point (4:9-10).

The chronicler paused to tell us that this man was "more honorable than his brothers" (v.9). Why was he so honorable? We don't know for sure, but we can find some clues in his name and in a short prayer he uttered.

The name Jabez means "he causes pain." Who would want a name like that? His mother may have given him that name because of the intense suffering she experienced at his birth.

Instead of being bitter, or changing his name to something like "love" or "peace," Jabez turned to the Lord. He asked God to bless his life (v.10). Bible scholars have translated the last part of verse 10 either as a prayer to be kept from pain or as a plea for help so he would not cause pain to others. I believe Jabez was honorable because he pleaded with the Lord to help him live righteously so he would not cause others to suffer.

No matter what your name is, you too can be a person of honor. Ask the Lord to bless you and to make you a blessing to others today.  — David C. Egner