Proverbs 20:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Divers weights {H68}{H68}, and divers measures {H374}{H374}, both {H8147} of them are alike {H1571} abomination {H8441} to the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

False weights and false measures -ADONAI detests them both.

Berean Standard Bible

Differing weights and unequal measures— both are detestable to the LORD.

American Standard Version

Diverse weights, and diverse measures, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 20:10 unequivocally condemns dishonesty in commercial dealings, declaring that "divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD." This proverb highlights God's absolute demand for integrity, fairness, and consistency in all human interactions, particularly those involving economic exchange, revealing a divine standard of righteousness that rejects all forms of deceit and exploitation as utterly detestable to His holy character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 20 is a collection of individual wisdom sayings, often unconnected thematically from one verse to the next, yet all contributing to the overarching goal of imparting practical wisdom for righteous living. This verse, like many others in Proverbs, addresses ethical conduct in daily life, particularly within the marketplace. It stands alongside other proverbs that warn against various forms of deception, such as [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - A False Balance is an Abomination") which states, "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight," and [Proverbs 16:11](/proverbs/16-11 "Proverbs 16:11 - Just Weights and Balances") which affirms, "A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work." These verses collectively underscore a consistent divine disapproval of commercial fraud and an affirmation of honesty as a reflection of God's own character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, trade was fundamental to society, and transactions often involved the physical weighing of goods, especially precious metals, or the use of standard containers for measuring grains, liquids, and other commodities. The terms "divers weights" (Hebrew: *'eben wa'eben*, "a stone and a stone") and "divers measures" (Hebrew: *'ephah we'ephah*, "ephah and ephah") refer to the fraudulent practice of using two different sets of weights or measures: one heavier or larger for buying (to acquire more) and another lighter or smaller for selling (to dispense less). This was a pervasive form of economic exploitation, directly impacting the poor and vulnerable. The Mosaic Law explicitly prohibited such practices, as seen in [Leviticus 19:35-36](/leviticus/19-35 "Leviticus 19:35-36 - Just Weights and Measures") and [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Prohibition Against Dishonest Weights"), emphasizing God's concern for social justice and the protection of the weak from predatory commercial practices.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Justice and Fairness**, asserting that God is not indifferent to economic injustice but actively demands equity and transparency in all transactions. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Integrity and Honesty**, highlighting that deception, particularly for personal gain, is morally repugnant to God. This principle extends beyond commerce to all areas of life where truthfulness is paramount, reflecting the wisdom literature's call to live a life of uncompromising moral rectitude. Finally, the use of the strong term "abomination" (Hebrew: *to'evah*) underscores **God's Standard of Righteousness**, signifying something utterly detestable to the Lord, often used for practices that deeply offend His holy character, such as idolatry and sexual perversion. This places commercial fraud on a serious moral level in God's sight, emphasizing that His character is fundamentally one of [righteousness and justice](/psalms/33-5 "Psalm 33:5 - The Lord Loves Righteousness and Justice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **weights (Hebrew, _ʼeben'_):** From a root meaning "to build," this word primarily refers to a "stone." In the context of commerce, stones of specific, agreed-upon sizes and densities were used as counterweights on scales to determine the quantity of goods. The phrase "divers weights" (literally "a stone and a stone") implies the fraudulent use of two different stones—one for buying and one for selling—to cheat.
* **measures (Hebrew, _ʼêyphâh'_):** Of Egyptian derivation, this term denotes an "ephah," which was a dry measure, typically for grain, roughly equivalent to half a bushel or 22 liters. By extension, it refers to any measure for commodities. "Divers measures" (literally "an ephah and an ephah") similarly indicates the deceitful practice of using two different measuring containers—one larger for receiving and one smaller for dispensing—to defraud.
* **abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This powerful term refers to something "disgusting" or "abhorrent," particularly in a moral or religious sense. It signifies something that is utterly detestable to God's holy nature and character. In the Old Testament, *tôwʻêbah* is frequently used for idolatry, sexual perversion, and other practices that deeply offend divine righteousness. Its application here to commercial fraud elevates such dishonesty from a mere social misdemeanor to a grave offense against God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Divers weights, and divers measures,"**: This opening clause vividly describes the specific acts of commercial fraud. The repetition of the noun ("a stone and a stone," "an ephah and an ephah") is a Hebrew idiom known as **merism**, signifying a complete range or duality, in this case, the use of inconsistent, deceitful standards for both weighing and measuring goods. It paints a picture of a merchant who possesses two sets of implements for the sole purpose of cheating customers, whether buying or selling.
* **"both of them are alike abomination"**: This phrase delivers the divine verdict on such practices. The term "alike" (Hebrew: *gam*) emphasizes that both forms of deceit—using false weights and using false measures—are equally condemned. The strong word "abomination" (Hebrew: *tôwʻêbah*) reveals the depth of God's revulsion. It's not merely disapproval but a profound moral disgust, indicating that such actions are antithetical to His character and His moral order.
* **"to the LORD."**: This concluding phrase identifies the ultimate judge and the offended party. The fraud is not just against the customer or society; it is fundamentally an offense against Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the self-existent, covenant-keeping God of Israel. This elevates commercial ethics from a purely human concern to a theological one, placing all human conduct under divine scrutiny and judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 20:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Merism**, seen in "divers weights" (literally "a stone and a stone") and "divers measures" (literally "an ephah and an ephah"). This rhetorical figure uses two contrasting or complementary parts to represent a whole, here signifying all forms of dishonest commercial practices involving measurement. The use of **Hyperbole** or strong emotive language is evident in the word "**abomination**" (*tôwʻêbah*), which is a powerful term indicating extreme detestation. This word is not used lightly in Scripture and underscores the severity of the offense in God's eyes, elevating commercial dishonesty to the level of other grave sins. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a clear **Didactic Tone**, characteristic of wisdom literature, directly instructing the audience on what is morally right and wrong from a divine perspective. The concise, declarative statement leaves no room for ambiguity regarding God's stance on integrity in the marketplace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 20:10 is a powerful declaration of God's unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness, extending His moral law into the practical realm of commerce. It underscores the theological truth that God's character is one of absolute integrity, and He therefore demands the same from His people in every sphere of life, including economic transactions. This verse reveals that God is not a distant, passive observer but an active participant in the moral order, abhorring any practice that exploits vulnerability or undermines truth. It connects the mundane acts of buying and selling to profound theological principles, demonstrating that true worship and obedience involve living justly and honestly before God and neighbor.

* [Leviticus 19:36](/leviticus/19-36 "Leviticus 19:36 - Just Balances, Weights, and Measures")
* [Deuteronomy 25:13](/deuteronomy/25-13 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Prohibition Against Dishonest Weights")
* [Amos 8:5](/amos/8-5 "Amos 8:5-6 - Oppression of the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 20:10 serves as a timeless call to radical integrity, challenging believers to embody God's character in every aspect of their lives, especially in areas where personal gain might tempt compromise. While the specific context is ancient commerce, the underlying principle applies universally to all forms of exchange, whether financial, relational, or informational. It compels us to examine our own practices: Are we consistently honest in our work, our finances, our advertising, and our interactions? Do we seek to gain an unfair advantage, or do we prioritize fairness and truth? Living out this proverb means cultivating a heart that abhors deception as God does, striving for transparency and equity in all dealings. It reminds us that our integrity is not merely a matter of human ethics but a reflection of our reverence for the God who sees all and demands righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to use "divers weights and measures" for personal gain or convenience?**
* **How does the concept of God abhorring dishonesty impact my view of everyday business practices and consumer choices?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I am consistently operating with integrity in all my interactions, both personal and professional?**

### FAQ
**What does "divers weights, and divers measures" specifically refer to?**

Answer: "Divers weights, and divers measures" refers to the fraudulent practice of using two different sets of weights or measuring containers in commercial transactions. For example, a dishonest merchant might use a heavier "weight" when buying goods (to make it seem like they are getting more for their money) and a lighter "weight" when selling goods (to give less for the same price). Similarly, they might use a larger "measure" when receiving goods and a smaller "measure" when dispensing them. This was a common form of cheating in ancient times, directly exploiting customers and undermining fair trade, and it is explicitly condemned throughout the Old Testament, as seen in [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Prohibition Against Dishonest Weights").

**Why is this practice considered an "abomination to the LORD"?**

Answer: The term "abomination" (Hebrew: *tôwʻêbah*) is a very strong word in the Old Testament, signifying something utterly detestable and repugnant to God's holy character. This practice is an abomination to the LORD for several reasons: it demonstrates a lack of love for one's neighbor by exploiting them for personal gain, it violates God's command for justice and righteousness, and it reflects a heart that is deceitful and untrustworthy. God's very nature is truth and justice, and any act that contradicts these attributes is offensive to Him. The Bible consistently portrays God as a defender of the poor and vulnerable, and dishonest commercial practices disproportionately harm those least able to defend themselves, making such actions a direct affront to God's heart for justice, as also highlighted in [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - A False Balance is an Abomination").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 20:10, with its condemnation of dishonest weights and measures, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law exposed humanity's inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous standards, Jesus perfectly embodied integrity and justice in every aspect of His life. He is the standard of true measure, the one who never engaged in "divers weights" but always acted with perfect truth and equity. His teachings consistently upheld the spirit of this proverb, calling His followers to a righteousness that surpasses mere external compliance, demanding integrity of heart (e.g., [Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Let Your 'Yes' Be 'Yes'")). Furthermore, the "abomination" of human sin, including all forms of deceit and injustice, was laid upon Christ on the cross (as described in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), where He bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath against all unrighteousness. Through His atoning sacrifice, He not only paid the penalty for our past dishonesties but also empowers believers by His Spirit to live lives of genuine integrity, reflecting His perfect character in the marketplace and beyond, transforming hearts to delight in the "just weight" that is pleasing to the [Lord of all creation](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Christ").

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 20:23

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

Proverbs 11:1

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

Deuteronomy 25:13

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

Deuteronomy 25:15

[But] thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Leviticus 19:35

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

Proverbs 16:11

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

Amos 8:4

¶ Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,