Eisav was a hunter, while Yaakov was a shepherd. There is a great difference between these two vocations. The difference is in motivation which eventually resulted in a difference in consequence. Since Eisav sought independence, he chose a calling which took him away from home allowing him the opportunity to live his life as he wished. Eisav developed traits of instability and violence, since he was never available for instruction and guidance by his parents or teachers.
Yaakov however, preferred the occupation of a shepherd which enabled him to remain with his parents. While attending his father’s flocks he was always home to receive instruction and guidance from his parents. Yaakov grew up a perfect man because of the excellent opportunities for growth and development, in his superb home environment. Yaakov was a product of a harmonious education of parents and teachers in a stable environment, while Eisav was a product of his own arrogance. Thus, the two brothers evolved as individuals with two very different personalities, as a result of their varied lifestyles.
