Proverbs 11:1

KJV

¶ A false balance [is] abomination to the LORD: but a just weight [is] his delight.

KJV (with Strong's)

A false {H4820} balance {H3976} is abomination {H8441} to the LORD {H3068}: but a just {H8003} weight {H68} is his delight {H7522}.

Complete Jewish Bible

False scales are an abomination to ADONAI, but accurate weights please him.

Berean Standard Bible

Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.

American Standard Version

A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah; But a just weight is his delight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 11:1 establishes a foundational principle of divine justice and ethical conduct, declaring God’s profound abhorrence for dishonesty and His deep pleasure in integrity. This proverb, set within the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, underscores that all human dealings, particularly in commerce, are subject to divine scrutiny, revealing the Lord's character as one who demands and delights in truthfulness and fairness in every aspect of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 11:1 stands as a quintessential example of antithetical parallelism, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature, where two contrasting ideas are presented to highlight a moral truth. This specific verse initiates a chapter rich with proverbs that contrast the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the consequences of their actions. It immediately follows chapters that extol the virtues of wisdom and integrity, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of how righteousness manifests in daily life, particularly in economic interactions. The broader book of Proverbs consistently champions justice, honesty, and righteous living as the path to blessing, while condemning deceit and wickedness as leading to ruin, echoing themes found throughout [Proverbs 10](/proverbs/10 "Proverbs 10 - Contrasts of Righteous and Wicked") and [Proverbs 12](/proverbs/12 "Proverbs 12 - Wisdom and Folly Contrasted").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, the marketplace was the hub of economic and social life. Transactions often involved weighing goods like grain, silver, or spices using a balance scale and standardized weights, typically made of stone. The temptation to manipulate these tools—using a "false balance" (a scale that gives an inaccurate reading) or "divers weights" (a set of weights that are not uniform)—was a prevalent form of fraud. Such deceit directly exploited the vulnerable, undermined trust within the community, and disrupted the very fabric of societal order. The Mosaic Law, recognizing the critical importance of fair dealing for a just society, explicitly commanded integrity in commerce, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 19:35-36](/leviticus/19-35 "Just Weights and Measures") and [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13 "Prohibition of Dishonest Weights"). This proverb, therefore, reiterates a deeply ingrained legal and moral expectation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Proverbs and biblical theology. Firstly, it reveals the **Divine Character of Justice**, portraying the LORD as an active participant in human morality, who not only observes but also judges and reacts to human conduct. Dishonesty is not merely a social transgression but an offense against God Himself. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Ethical Business Practices**, elevating commercial integrity from a secular concern to a spiritual imperative. One's honesty in the marketplace is a direct reflection of their reverence for God. Finally, it highlights the **Consequences of Actions**, illustrating the principle that righteous living brings divine favor, while wickedness incurs divine displeasure. This antithetical structure reinforces the wisdom of choosing the path of integrity, aligning oneself with God's will and character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **False (Hebrew, _mirmâh'_):** From a root meaning "to deceive," this word denotes fraud, craft, guile, or treachery. It describes something that is not what it purports to be, specifically in the context of a balance, implying a deliberate act of deception designed to cheat or mislead.
* **Balance (Hebrew, _môʼzên'_):** This term, always used in the dual form, refers to a "pair of scales." It represents the instrument used for weighing, symbolizing the means by which fairness and equity are measured in transactions.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This strong term signifies something disgusting, morally abhorrent, or utterly detestable to God. It is frequently used in the Old Testament for idolatry, sexual perversions, or other severe moral transgressions, indicating that dishonesty in commerce is not a minor offense but a profound affront to God's holy character.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His self-existent, eternal nature and His personal relationship with His people. The use of "LORD" (Yahweh) here underscores that the standard of justice is not merely human convention but a divine decree from the ultimate Sovereign.
* **Just (Hebrew, _shâlêm'_):** Derived from the root for "peace" or "completeness" (shalom), this word means complete, perfect, or whole. In the context of a weight, it signifies accuracy, integrity, and fairness—a weight that is precisely what it claims to be, ensuring an equitable transaction.
* **Weight (Hebrew, _ʼeben'_):** Literally meaning "stone," this refers to the physical objects used to measure quantities on a balance. It represents the standard by which value is determined, thus symbolizing the principle of fairness and accuracy in measurement.
* **Delight (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** This word signifies pleasure, favor, good pleasure, or desire. It conveys God's positive disposition and approval towards actions that align with His character of truth and justice, indicating that integrity brings Him profound satisfaction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A false balance [is] abomination to the LORD":** This clause unequivocally states God's intense disapproval of dishonesty. A "false balance" is a metonymy for any deceptive practice in business or life, where truth is distorted for personal gain. The term "abomination" elevates this dishonesty from a mere legal infraction to a profound moral and spiritual offense, something utterly repugnant to the holy and just nature of Yahweh. It implies that such practices are not just unfair to humans but are an affront to the divine order and character.
* **"but a just weight [is] his delight":** This contrasting clause reveals the positive side of God's character and His ethical expectations. A "just weight" symbolizes integrity, fairness, and truthfulness in all dealings. This is not merely the absence of wrongdoing, but the active pursuit of righteousness and equity. The phrase "his delight" expresses God's deep pleasure, favor, and approval for those who embody and practice such uprightness, indicating that living with integrity brings joy to the heart of God.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 11:1 masterfully employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a fundamental literary structure in Hebrew wisdom literature. The verse presents two contrasting statements—"a false balance is abomination" versus "a just weight is his delight"—to highlight a moral truth through opposition. This technique not only clarifies the message but also emphasizes the stark choice between two paths: one leading to divine displeasure, the other to divine favor. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy** where "false balance" and "just weight" stand in for broader concepts of dishonesty and integrity in all aspects of life, not just commerce. The attribution of "abomination" and "delight" to the LORD demonstrates **Personification**, as God is depicted with human-like emotions, underscoring His active involvement and strong moral stance regarding human conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 11:1 profoundly reveals God's intrinsic character as a God of justice and truth. His "abhorrence" of a false balance and "delight" in a just weight demonstrate that ethical conduct is not merely a human construct but is rooted in the very nature of the Creator. This principle extends beyond commercial transactions to encompass all forms of integrity—in speech, relationships, and governance. It teaches that righteousness is not just about avoiding evil, but actively pursuing what is good, true, and fair. This verse links human morality directly to divine approval, reminding us that our daily actions have theological significance and contribute to the kind of world God desires.

* [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13 "Prohibition of Dishonest Weights")
* [Leviticus 19:35-36](/leviticus/19-35 "Just Weights and Measures")
* [Proverbs 16:11](/proverbs/16-11 "The Lord's Weights")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal "false balance" may be less common in modern commerce, the principle of Proverbs 11:1 remains profoundly relevant and universally applicable. It calls believers to embody unwavering integrity in all areas of life, recognizing that God observes and cares about the honesty of our hearts and actions. This includes transparent financial dealings, ethical professional conduct, truthful communication in personal relationships, and even integrity in the digital sphere where information can be easily manipulated. Living by "just weights" means valuing truth, fairness, and transparency, understanding that our commitment to integrity is an act of worship that brings delight to the Lord. It challenges us to examine any area where we might be tempted to cut corners, misrepresent facts, or seek unfair advantage, urging us instead to build trust and uphold righteousness in every interaction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to use a "false balance" or "divers weights" (e.g., in my words, my work, my finances, my online presence)?**
* **How does understanding God's "abomination" of dishonesty and "delight" in integrity impact my motivation for ethical living?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to ensure my actions and words consistently reflect a "just weight" in God's eyes?**

### FAQ
**Why is a "false balance" considered an "abomination" to God?**

Answer: A "false balance" is considered an "abomination" (Hebrew: *tôwʻêbah*) to God because it represents a deliberate act of deception and injustice. This term is used for things that are utterly detestable to God, often associated with idolatry, sexual perversion, or other severe moral transgressions that violate His holy character and covenant. Dishonesty in commerce, as symbolized by a false balance, directly harms the vulnerable, undermines societal trust, and reflects a heart that lacks reverence for God's truth and righteousness. It is an offense against the divine order and the very nature of God, who is perfectly just and true, as emphasized in passages like [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13 "Prohibition of Dishonest Weights") and [Proverbs 20:10](/proverbs/20-10 "Proverbs 20:10 - Differing Weights and Measures").

**How does this proverb apply to modern life beyond literal scales?**

Answer: While literal scales are less common in daily transactions today, the principle of Proverbs 11:1 extends to all forms of integrity and honesty. It applies to accurate financial reporting, fair pricing, transparent business dealings, truthful advertising, honest communication in relationships, and even the integrity of information shared online. It calls us to avoid any form of misrepresentation, manipulation, or exploitation. The "just weight" represents a commitment to truth and fairness in every interaction, ensuring that our words and actions are always consistent with reality and motivated by love for our neighbor and reverence for God. This principle is foundational to building trust and fostering healthy communities, reflecting the wisdom found in [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truthfully").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 11:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the "just weight" and is the very standard of divine righteousness. While the Old Testament law exposed humanity's failure to maintain a "just weight" and highlighted God's abhorrence of sin, Christ lived a life of absolute integrity, never using a "false balance" in word or deed. He perfectly fulfilled the demands of the law, demonstrating what true justice and delight to the Father look like. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ bore the "abomination" of our sin—our false balances and crooked ways—on the cross, allowing us to be reconciled to a holy God. Now, through faith in Him, believers are declared righteous, clothed in His perfect "just weight" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live out this new identity, transforming our hearts to increasingly reflect Christ's integrity and truthfulness in all our dealings, so that our lives become a "just weight" that brings delight to our heavenly Father ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifices")). He is the ultimate measure of all things, and in Him, we find the grace to pursue lives of genuine integrity, reflecting the character of the God who delights in truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 25:13

¶ Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small.

Deuteronomy 25:16

For all that do such things, [and] all that do unrighteously, [are] an abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Proverbs 16:11

¶ A just weight and balance [are] the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag [are] his work.

Proverbs 20:23

¶ Divers weights [are] an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance [is] not good.

Leviticus 19:35

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.

Leviticus 19:36

Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.

Proverbs 20:10

¶ Divers weights, [and] divers measures, both of them [are] alike abomination to the LORD.