one large and one small
The use of differing measures implies deceit and manipulation, where one might use a larger measure for buying and a smaller one for selling, thus cheating others. This practice was common in ancient times and is condemned throughout Scripture. Amos 8:5 speaks against those who use dishonest scales to exploit the needy. The call for consistent measures is a call to integrity, reflecting the unchanging nature of God. In a typological sense, Jesus Christ embodies perfect justice and truth, fulfilling the law's demand for righteousness. As believers, the call is to emulate Christ's integrity in all aspects of life, ensuring that our dealings are marked by fairness and honesty.

God begins with a clear prohibition. This is not a suggestion but a binding command that flows from His own character of truth and justice.

• Exodus 20:15 says, “You shall not steal,” reminding us that dishonest measures are theft in slow motion.

• Leviticus 19:35-36 expands, “You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight or volume… I am the LORD your God,” grounding honesty in who God is.

• The command applies to everyone, without loopholes or exceptions, because righteousness is central to covenant living.

The heart of the matter is duplicity—keeping one set of weights for buying and another for selling.

• Proverbs 20:10: “Differing weights and differing measures—both are detestable to the LORD.”

• Amos 8:5 exposes how merchants planned to “cheat with dishonest scales,” showing that unequal measures invite systemic corruption.

• Micah 6:11 asks, “Can I excuse dishonest scales?” The implied answer is no; God’s people must reflect His unchanging standard.

Integrity starts at home. A private stash of crooked weights reveals the heart before any public transaction occurs.

• Psalm 101:2 pledges, “I will walk in my house with integrity of heart.”

• Luke 16:10 teaches that “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much,” tying household honesty to broader faithfulness.

• By addressing the house, the verse pushes us beyond public image to genuine, behind-the-scenes righteousness.

The practice was simple:

- Use the heavier weight when buying so less is paid.

- Use the lighter weight when selling so more is charged.

• Proverbs 11:1: “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.”

• Hosea 12:7 indicts a merchant who “loves to defraud with dishonest scales,” showing that God notes the scheme and condemns it.

• Deuteronomy 25:15 follows with the positive command: “You must maintain honest scales and weights… so that you may live long in the land,” linking integrity with blessing.

Deuteronomy 25:14 forbids the keeping of dual standards, calling God’s people to uncompromised honesty that begins at home and extends to every transaction. The Lord detests deceitful measures because they distort His own righteous nature, injure neighbors, and erode community trust. Choosing a single, honest standard aligns everyday life with God’s unchanging justice and invites His favor.

Parallel Commentaries ...