Why does Proverbs 11:1 say "dishonest scales" are an "abomination"? Scripture snapshot “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.” (Proverbs 11:1) Dishonest scales in ancient commerce • Merchants used balancing scales with stone or metal counterweights. • Swapping a slightly lighter “one-pound” weight or shaving a stone stole value every time a trade was made. • Customers, especially the poor, had no practical way to detect such deceit. Why the practice is called an abomination • It violates God’s own character of perfect righteousness (Psalm 145:17). • It breaks the eighth commandment—stealing (Exodus 20:15). • It despises the second great command—“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39). • It perverts justice, something God expressly hates (Isaiah 61:8). • “Abomination” (Hebrew tôʿēbah) is used for sins that flagrantly affront God’s holiness (e.g., Deuteronomy 25:13-16; Proverbs 20:23). • Cheating in business profanes the covenant community, inviting judgment on the whole land (Amos 8:4-7; Micah 6:10-12). Scripture’s consistent voice on honest weights • “You must not use dishonest measures of length or weight…” (Leviticus 19:35-36). • “You are not to have two differing weights in your bag…” (Deuteronomy 25:13-16). • “Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD…” (Proverbs 16:11). • “Differing weights and differing measures—both are detestable to the LORD” (Proverbs 20:10). • “Better is a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice” (Proverbs 16:8). • “Let each of you put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25). • “See that no one transgresses and wrongs his brother in matters of business, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things” (1 Thessalonians 4:6). The ripple effect of fraudulent dealings • Robs the buyer, enriching the seller through theft. • Breeds distrust, undermining social cohesion. • Hardens the heart, making future deception easier (1 Timothy 4:2). • Provokes divine judgment; God Himself becomes the customer’s Advocate (James 5:4-6). Practical takeaways for today • Price goods and services transparently; no hidden fees or manipulated quality. • Deliver the full measure you promise—whether hours on the clock, ingredients in a recipe, or lines of code in a project (Colossians 3:23-24). • Pay employees timely and fairly; withholding wages is condemned as theft (Jeremiah 22:13). • Keep tax reporting honest; render to Caesar what is due (Romans 13:6-7). • When purchasing, refuse to exploit loopholes or use counterfeit coupons; the same standard applies both directions (Luke 6:31). • Cultivate a reputation for integrity so consistent that a small error is quickly corrected and openly confessed (Luke 16:10). Walking with just weights every day Choosing honest scales, literal or figurative, means aligning every economic decision with the Lord who “delights” in accuracy. Whether at a market stall, online storefront, or office desk, integrity testifies that we know the God of truth—and trust His promise that “The integrity of the upright guides them” (Proverbs 11:3). |
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