What other scriptures emphasize honesty and integrity in business? Centering on Proverbs 20:10 “Differing weights and differing measures — both are detestable to the LORD.” The verse is clear, strong, and literal: God hates every form of crooked dealing. Echoes in the Law: Israel’s Commercial Code God laid down specific, non-negotiable rules for marketplace honesty. • Leviticus 19:35-36 — “You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and honest weights….” • Deuteronomy 25:13-16 — “No two differing weights in your bag… accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land….” These commands root honesty in covenant obedience; cheating a customer is rebellion against God Himself. Wisdom Literature: God’s Delight in Fair Dealing • Proverbs 11:1 — “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.” • Proverbs 16:11 — “Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.” • Proverbs 20:23 — “Differing weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.” The message stays identical: integrity is not optional; it is worship in daily work. Prophets: Social Justice Begins at the Scales • Ezekiel 45:10 — “You must use honest scales, a just ephah, and a just bath.” • Hosea 12:7 — “A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands.” • Amos 8:5-6 — “…reduce the measure, inflate the price, and cheat with dishonest scales, buying the poor for silver….” • Micah 6:11 — “Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of deceptive weights?” • Jeremiah 22:13 — “Woe to him… who makes his neighbor serve without pay and will not give him his wages.” The prophets treat fraud as violence against the vulnerable and assure divine judgment. New-Covenant Reinforcement: Heart Integrity in All Work • Luke 16:10 — “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much….” • Romans 12:17 — “…Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.” • 2 Corinthians 8:21 — “We are taking great care to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men.” • Ephesians 4:25 — “Put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor….” • Colossians 3:23-25 — “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord… whoever does wrong will be repaid….” • 1 Thessalonians 4:6 — “…that no one should take advantage of or defraud his brother… the Lord is the avenger….” • James 5:4 — “The wages you withheld from the workmen… are crying out against you….” The same uncompromising standard now flows from a redeemed heart: honest books, prompt wages, transparent contracts. Where the Rubber Meets the Road Scripture’s breadth leaves no gray areas: – Keep one set of books; hidden ledgers repel the Lord. – Price goods and services fairly; profit must never rest on deception. – Pay employees and suppliers fully and on time; withheld wages cry out to heaven. – Deliver exactly what you advertise; let your “yes” be yes in every invoice. – Guard small choices (Luke 16:10); little dishonesties seed greater scandals. God watches every transaction. Honoring Him in business is as spiritual as any pulpit ministry, and He delights in the believer whose scales stay true. |
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