Proverbs 16:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

A just {H4941} weight {H6425} and balance {H3976} are the LORD'S {H3068}: all the weights {H68} of the bag {H3599} are his work {H4639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The balance and scales of justice have their origin in ADONAI; all the weights in the bag are his doing.

Berean Standard Bible

Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.

American Standard Version

A just balance and scales are Jehovah’s; All the weights of the bag are his work.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 16:11 declares that the standards of justice and integrity, particularly in commercial dealings, originate from and are upheld by the LORD Himself. It asserts divine ownership over the very tools of fair trade—the just weight and balance—and extends God's sovereign oversight to all practices and instruments of commerce, emphasizing that righteous conduct in the marketplace is not merely a human convention but a reflection of God's own character and an expression of His will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 16 is part of a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (chapters 10-22), characterized by concise, pithy sayings designed to impart wisdom for practical living. This chapter, in particular, frequently highlights the sovereignty of God over human plans and actions, emphasizing themes of divine providence, the importance of righteousness, and the consequences of wickedness. Verses immediately preceding and following [Proverbs 16:11](/proverbs/16-11 "Proverbs 16:11 - Just Weights are the LORD's") often speak to the king's role in upholding justice ([Proverbs 16:10](/proverbs/16-10 "Proverbs 16:10 - A Divine Sentence is in the Lips of the King")) and the divine oversight of all human paths ([Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The LORD Directs Our Steps")), positioning this verse within a broader discourse on God's active involvement in human affairs, including the seemingly mundane aspects of daily commerce.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the marketplace was the nexus of community life, where goods were exchanged, and business was conducted. Transactions frequently involved the use of scales and weights, often carried in a merchant's bag. The absence of standardized, government-regulated weights made it easy for unscrupulous individuals to use false or "diverse" weights to cheat customers, a practice widely condemned in the Old Testament. The Mosaic Law explicitly commanded the use of honest weights and measures, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 19:36](/leviticus/19-36 "Leviticus 19:36 - Just Weights and Measures Commanded") and [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Prohibition of Dishonest Weights"). Proverbs 16:11 elevates these legal requirements by grounding them in the very character and authority of Yahweh, making integrity in commerce a theological imperative rather than merely a civil regulation.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting that God's dominion extends beyond the spiritual or religious sphere into every aspect of human life, including economic transactions. Secondly, it champions **Integrity and Honesty**, presenting them not just as good human practices but as reflections of God's own righteous nature. The insistence that "a just weight and balance are the LORD'S" implies that any deviation from fairness is an affront to His character. Thirdly, it highlights **Universal Accountability**, reminding all individuals, especially those engaged in trade, that their daily practices are subject to God's scrutiny and moral standard. This proverb, therefore, functions as a practical outworking of **Wisdom**, demonstrating that true wisdom involves living righteously in all areas, recognizing God's pervasive presence and authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **just (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_ H4941):** This term signifies more than mere fairness; it refers to a verdict pronounced judicially, a formal decree, or divine law. It encompasses justice, right, and ordinance. When applied to a "weight," it means a weight that conforms to an established, righteous standard, ultimately rooted in God's perfect justice. It implies an objective, unwavering measure, not subject to human manipulation or convenience.
* **balance (Hebrew, _môʼzên'_ H3976):** This word, always used in the dual form, literally means "a pair of scales." It represents the instrument used for weighing. The proverb emphasizes that even the mechanism of measurement, the scales themselves, are under the LORD's purview, implying that the very means by which justice is measured must be true and untainted.
* **work (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_ H4639):** This term denotes an action, a transaction, or a product. When applied to "all the weights of the bag," it signifies that these tools and, by extension, the practices of trade are not merely human inventions but are divinely ordained and subject to God's active involvement. It suggests that God is the ultimate craftsman and designer of the principles by which commerce should operate, making integrity in business a divine "work" or act of obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A just weight and balance are the LORD'S:"** This opening clause establishes divine ownership and authority over the very instruments and standards of commercial justice. It declares that the concept of a "just" or righteous measure does not originate from human convention or legal codes alone, but from God Himself. He sets the standard for fairness and truth in all transactions. This means that integrity in business is not merely a matter of good ethics but a theological imperative, reflecting God's character.
* **"all the weights of the bag are his work."** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the first. The "weights of the bag" refer to the collection of stones or metal pieces a merchant would carry to weigh goods. By stating that these are "his work," the proverb emphasizes God's active involvement and sovereignty over every detail of commercial practice. It implies that even the specific tools used for measurement, and the manner in which they are employed, are under God's watchful eye and are meant to be an expression of His design for righteous human interaction. This condemns any form of deceit or manipulation in trade, asserting that God is concerned with the minute details of our daily dealings.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 16:11 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Merism** is evident in the phrase "weight and balance," which collectively represents the entire system of commercial measurement and, by extension, all aspects of trade and economic integrity. This figure of speech uses two contrasting or complementary parts to signify a whole. **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** is present in "the weights of the bag," where the container and its contents stand for the entire practice of commercial weighing and the merchant's ethical conduct. Furthermore, the proverb utilizes **Divine Attribution** or **Theological Assertion**, directly linking human instruments and practices to God's ownership and "work." This elevates a seemingly mundane aspect of daily life—commerce—to a realm of divine concern and moral accountability, underscoring the pervasive nature of God's sovereignty and His demand for righteousness in all spheres.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 16:11 profoundly connects to the broader biblical understanding of God's character as inherently just and righteous, extending His dominion over every facet of human existence. It challenges the false dichotomy between "sacred" and "secular" by asserting that even the marketplace, often perceived as a purely human domain, is subject to divine standards. This verse underscores the theological truth that God's justice is not an abstract concept but is intensely practical, requiring integrity in our daily interactions. It reveals that our ethical conduct in commerce is a direct reflection of our understanding of and submission to the LORD's ultimate authority, serving as a tangible outworking of faith and a witness to His righteous nature in a world often prone to deceit.

* [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales are an Abomination to the LORD")
* [Deuteronomy 25:15](/deuteronomy/25-15 "Deuteronomy 25:15 - You Shall Have a Just and Full Weight")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 16:11 offers timeless wisdom that transcends ancient marketplaces, speaking directly to the heart of integrity in all our dealings today. It calls us to recognize that our economic and professional lives are not separate from our spiritual walk but are integral parts of our worship and obedience to God. In a world of complex financial systems, digital transactions, and global commerce, the principle remains: God cares deeply about fairness, transparency, and honesty. This proverb challenges us to examine our own practices—whether in business, employment, or personal finances—and ensure they align with God's perfect standard of justice. It reminds us that every transaction, every negotiation, and every exchange is an opportunity to honor God by reflecting His character, building trust, and contributing to a society founded on righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's ownership of "just weights and balances" impact your approach to financial dealings or professional responsibilities?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to use "unjust weights" (e.g., exaggeration, cutting corners, unfair advantage), and how can you align these practices with God's standard?**
* **How can you advocate for justice and integrity in your community or workplace, reflecting God's character in the broader economic sphere?**

### FAQ
**What does "the LORD'S" mean in this context?**

Answer: When Proverbs 16:11 states that "a just weight and balance are the LORD'S," it signifies divine ownership and authority. It means that the standard for what is "just" (righteous, equitable) in commerce does not originate from human laws, customs, or convenience, but from God Himself. He is the ultimate source and upholder of true justice. This implies that using unjust weights or balances is not merely a violation of human law but an offense against God's character and His established order. It places integrity in the marketplace within the realm of divine commandment and theological significance.

**Is this proverb only about business?**

Answer: While Proverbs 16:11 uses the specific imagery of weights and balances common in ancient commerce, its principle extends far beyond mere business transactions. The "just weight and balance" symbolize truth, fairness, and integrity in all aspects of life. It speaks to honesty in our words, reliability in our promises, accuracy in our reporting, and equity in our relationships. The proverb underscores that God's concern for justice is comprehensive, encompassing every interaction where truth and fairness can be measured or applied. It's a call to live with integrity in all spheres, recognizing that God's standards apply universally, as seen in other wisdom literature like [Psalm 15](/psalm/15 "Psalm 15 - Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill?").

**How does this apply to a modern, digital economy?**

Answer: In a modern, digital economy, the principles of Proverbs 16:11 are more relevant than ever, though the "weights and balances" may look different. It applies to transparent pricing, honest advertising, accurate financial reporting, fair algorithms, ethical data usage, and integrity in online transactions. Whether it's a digital currency exchange, e-commerce, or the integrity of software, the underlying call is for fairness and truthfulness. The "weights of the bag" could be interpreted as the data, algorithms, and digital tools we use. God's standard of justice remains immutable, demanding that even in the most complex and intangible economic systems, our practices reflect His righteousness, as highlighted in passages like [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Whatever You Do, Do Heartily, as for the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 16:11, with its emphasis on divine ownership of justice and integrity in all dealings, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's perfect justice and the standard by which all things are measured. Unlike the flawed human systems of weights and balances, Jesus lived a life of absolute righteousness, perfectly fulfilling the Law's demands for justice and truth, as proclaimed in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). His ministry consistently challenged hypocrisy and injustice, notably in His cleansing of the temple, where He condemned those who turned a house of prayer into a "den of robbers" ([Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")), directly addressing commercial malpractice. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ became the ultimate "just weight and balance," perfectly reconciling humanity to God and establishing the foundation for a new creation characterized by divine righteousness. Believers, indwelt by the Spirit of Christ, are called to reflect this divine standard in their own lives, becoming agents of justice and integrity in every sphere, including their economic interactions, living out the truth that the Kingdom of God is fundamentally "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness")). Thus, the "work" of God in the "weights of the bag" culminates in the redemptive work of Christ, who empowers His followers to live justly and honorably, anticipating the day when perfect justice will reign under the King of kings ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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

Proverbs 11:1

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

Proverbs 20:10

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

Ezekiel 45:10

Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath.

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.

Hosea 12:7

¶ [He is] a merchant, the balances of deceit [are] in his hand: he loveth to oppress.

Deuteronomy 25:13

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