Crooked weights and measures are detestable to God, who never uses one standard for one person and another for another.
Solomon turns from heart to commerce in Proverbs 20:10: Differing weights and differing measures, both of them are abominable to the LORD (v. 10). The verse pairs with verse 23, framing the chapter with the integrity of ordinary trade.
Differing weights refers to stones used on a balance scale, where a heavier "buying" stone and a lighter "selling" stone could let a merchant cheat both directions and look honest doing it. Differing measures refers to containers used to portion grain, where the same trick worked.
The LORD calls the practice abominable, language used in Scripture for things God positively detests. Honest commerce belongs to the character of God, because God does not use one standard for one person and another for another (to learn more about how honesty and fairness were established as part of Israel’s covenant identity before God, please read our commentaries on Leviticus 19:33-37 and Deuteronomy 25:13-16)
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Proverbs 20:10 meaning
Solomon turns from heart to commerce in Proverbs 20:10: Differing weights and differing measures, both of them are abominable to the LORD (v. 10). The verse pairs with verse 23, framing the chapter with the integrity of ordinary trade.
Differing weights refers to stones used on a balance scale, where a heavier "buying" stone and a lighter "selling" stone could let a merchant cheat both directions and look honest doing it. Differing measures refers to containers used to portion grain, where the same trick worked.
The LORD calls the practice abominable, language used in Scripture for things God positively detests. Honest commerce belongs to the character of God, because God does not use one standard for one person and another for another (to learn more about how honesty and fairness were established as part of Israel’s covenant identity before God, please read our commentaries on Leviticus 19:33-37 and Deuteronomy 25:13-16)