John Calvin Commentary Genesis 33:13

"And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds with me have their young: and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die." — Genesis 33:13 (ASV)

My lord knows. The things Jacob states as reasons for his excuse are true; nevertheless, he introduces them under false pretenses; except, perhaps, regarding his statement that he was unwilling to be burdensome and troublesome to his brother. But since he afterwards turns his journey in another direction, it appears that he feigned something contrary to what was really in his mind.

He says that he brings with him many encumbrances and therefore requests his brother to precede him. “I will follow,” he says, “at the feet of the children”; that is, I will proceed gently, as the pace of the children allows. Thus, I will follow at my leisure until I come to you in Mount Seir.

In these words, he promises what he was not intending to do; for, leaving his brother, he journeyed to a different place. But truth is so precious to God that he will not allow us to lie or deceive, even when no injury follows. Therefore, we must take care, when any fear of danger occupies our minds, that we do not turn aside to these subterfuges.