Proverbs 11:1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. The proverbs of this book are often figurative, and of a very strong and extensive meaning. The words of the text imply the odiousness, not only of false weights or balances, but likewise of all things of the like nature and consequence; of all unfair and unfaithful actions; of all unequal and injurious proceedings. There are two kinds of injustice; the one open and barefaced, the other secret and disguised, so cunningly clothed and adorned, that it appears like justice itself. The text manifests the odiousness of this latter kind. A false balance is always made use of under the plausible pretence of doing justice, though it has the contrary effect. This latter kind of injustice is more abominable than the other. (1) In its nature. This is a complication of crimes and mischiefs, the other is simple injustice. This is always vile and ungenerous. (2) In its consequences. We have far less security against this kind of unjust actors, so that the mischiefs of it are more certain and inevitable. Force can repel force, but it cannot repel treachery. God does, in a great measure, reserve cases of this nature for His own peculiar tribunal in the great and dreadful day. This kind of injustice is an "abomination" to Him; the word implies an extraordinary degree of hatred and detestation. (Laurence Echard, A.M.) Parallel Verses KJV: A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.WEB: A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh, but accurate weights are his delight. |
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