but an accurate weight is His delight
In contrast to dishonest scales, an accurate weight is pleasing to God. This reflects the biblical theme that God delights in righteousness and fairness (Proverbs 16:11). Accurate weights ensure that transactions are fair and just, promoting trust and community well-being. This principle is echoed in other scriptures that emphasize God's desire for honesty and integrity in all aspects of life (Micah 6:8). The delight of the Lord in accurate weights can be seen as a reflection of His character, which is consistent and just. This also points to the broader biblical narrative where God calls His people to reflect His character in their dealings with others, embodying truth and fairness as a testimony to His righteousness.

The picture is simple: a merchant uses tampered weights so the buyer receives less than he paid for. Scripture has long condemned this practice. Leviticus 19:35-36 warns, “You shall not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume… You are to maintain honest weights and honest balances.” The prophet Amos exposed city traders who “skimp with dishonest scales” (Amos 8:5-6), and Proverbs 20:17 notes that bread gained by deceit may taste sweet, but ends in gravel. God sees every transaction, public or private, and labels cheating for what it is—sin.

“Abomination” is one of the Bible’s strongest terms for what offends God. Deuteronomy 25:13-16 says, “You shall not have two differing weights in your bag… For everyone who behaves dishonestly is detestable to the LORD your God.” Dishonesty in business is not a minor slip; it is morally revolting to Him. Like idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:25-26) or sexual immorality (Leviticus 18:24-25), cheating violates His holy character and destroys neighbor-love (Romans 13:9-10).

By contrast, “an accurate weight” (literally, whole or perfect) reflects God’s own integrity. Proverbs 16:11 states, “Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.” Leviticus 19:36 adds, “You are to maintain honest scales, honest weights.” Straight dealings mirror the God who “shows no partiality nor takes a bribe” (2 Chronicles 19:7). Accuracy is not merely good economics; it is godliness practiced at the counter, at the office, and online.

God delights when His people imitate His righteousness: “The LORD loves righteousness and justice” (Psalm 33:5). Psalm 37:28 affirms, “The LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints.” When we act uprightly, we give Him pleasure; we also reflect His goodness to a watching world (Matthew 5:16). Honesty is a fragrant offering to the One who “desires truth in the inmost being” (Psalm 51:6).

• Business: Pay fair wages, report income honestly, and resist cutting ethical corners (James 5:4; Colossians 3:23).

• Relationships: Speak truthfully, keep promises, and refuse manipulation (Ephesians 4:25; Proverbs 12:22).

• Ministry: Handle offerings transparently, steward resources wisely, and avoid exploiting trust (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).

• Everyday choices: Return the extra change, honor timecards, and complete homework without plagiarism—small acts that prove faithfulness (Luke 16:10).

Proverbs 11:1 draws a clear line: cheating is abhorrent to God, while integrity thrills His heart. The Lord who judges every scale calls His people to total honesty, knowing that truthful weights—whether in business, speech, or life decisions—both protect our neighbor and bring Him delight.

(1) A false balance is abomination to the Lord.--A similar proverb is found in Proverbs 20:23, and praise of just weights, Proverbs 16:11; Proverbs 20:10. The repetition suggests that this form of cheating had become common in the time of Solomon, when the commerce of Israel began to develop. If so, there would be good reason for these frequent warnings, for it would have been useless to raise the superstructure of a religious life, as is the intention of this book, without first laying the foundation of common honesty between man and man.

A just weight.--Literally, stone, stones having been used for weights from early times. (Comp. Leviticus 19:36.) A standard weight, "the king's stone," seems to have been kept by David (2Samuel 14:26). . . .