TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 20:10.
See here, 1. The various arts of deceiving that men have, all which evils the love of money is the root of. In paying and receiving money, which was then commonly done by the scale, they had divers weights, an under-weight for what they paid and an over-weight for what they received; in delivering out and taking in goods they had divers measures, a scanty measure to sell by and a large measure to buy by. This was done wrong with plot and contrivance, and under colour of doing right. Under these is included all manner of fraud and deceit in commerce and trade. 2. The displeasure of God against them. Whether they be about the money or the goods, in the buyer or in the seller, they are all alike an abomination to the Lord. He will not prosper the trade that is thus driven, nor bless what is thus got. He hates those that thus break the common faith by which justice is maintained, and will be the avenger of all such.
Historical interpretation
Four Centuries of Reception
6 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
If there were two persons to be judged, one being given more consideration and the other less consideration, with a judge standing between both and making them equal by depriving only the one who has more than enough, the judge can be said to have failed to the extent that the adjudged party is injured. He who does not first have true justice instilled in his soul, but is corrupted by money or favors his friends or seeks vengeance against his enemies or reveres power, is unable to effect justice.… For rectitude in judgment is evidence that someone’s soul is well disposed toward equity and law. Hence, it prohibits this in what follows, saying, “Large weights and small weights are abominable before God,” with inequality in judgment being indicated in Proverbs under the title of weights.
Every kind of unfair action is shameful. Even in common things, false weights and unjust measures are accursed. And if fraud in the market or in business is punished, can it seem free from reproach if found in the midst of the performance of the duties of virtue?
He who commands must always keep to the exact scope of the commandments, and he who distributes tasks must observe equity in looking into them, for “a false balance is an abomination to the Lord.” There is, then, an excess and a defect in weight, but the church acccepts neither, for “excessive and defective weights and diverse measures, both of them are alike abominable in the sight of the Lord.”
We must be careful not to have either unjust weights in our hearts or double measures in the storerooms of our conscience, not only in the way that we have spoken but also in the following way. That is, we must not burden those to whom we preach the word of the Lord with stricter and heavier precepts than we ourselves are able to bear, while taking it upon ourselves to lighten with a greater and more indulgent relaxation the things that pertain to our rule of strictness. If we do this, what are we doing but weighing and measuring the revenue and fruit of the Lord’s precepts with a double weight and measure? For if we weigh them out in one way for ourselves and in another for our brothers, we are rightly rebuked by the Lord for having deceptive balances and double measures, according to the words of Solomon, where it is said, “A double weight is an abomination to the Lord, and a deceptive balance is not good in his sight.” .
We must strive not to have unfair weights in our hearts nor double measures in the storehouse of our conscience. We must not overwhelm those to whom we are to preach the word of the Lord with precepts that are too strict and heavier than we ourselves can bear, while we take for granted that for ourselves those things which have strict rules are to be softened and relaxed. For when we do this, what is it but to weigh and measure the goods and fruits of the Lord’s commands with a double weight and measure? For if we dispense them in one way to ourselves and in another to our brothers and sisters, we are rightly blamed by the Lord because we have unfair balances and double measures, in accordance with the saying of Solomon which tells us that “a double weight is an abomination to the Lord, and a deceitful balance is not good in his sight.”
Diverse weights, diverse measures, etc. For a man with diverse weights in his house has different measures, that is he measures differently for himself and for his neighbor, who always seeks in his own deeds what can be praised, but in others' deeds what can be blamed. And therefore the Lord rightly abhors such a person, because as much as he unjustly pleases himself, he justly displeases the supreme observer. But because it is perilous for anyone to judge another's conscience, of which he cannot know the intention, he advises by what signs we ought to direct the judgment of our own heart towards our neighbor. For it follows:
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Summary
Proverbs 20:10 delivers a profound ethical decree, unequivocally condemning all forms of commercial dishonesty. By declaring that "Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD," the proverb asserts God's absolute demand for integrity, fairness, and consistency in all economic dealings. This divine pronouncement highlights that any act of deceit or exploitation in the marketplace is not merely a social transgression but an utterly detestable offense against the holy and righteous character of God Himself.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 20 is a rich tapestry of individual wisdom sayings, each offering concise yet profound insights into righteous living. While many proverbs in this chapter stand independently, Proverbs 20:10 fits seamlessly within the broader collection of wisdom concerning ethical conduct, particularly in the realm of commerce. It echoes and reinforces the principles found in other proverbs that explicitly address honest weights and measures, such as Proverbs 11:1 which states, "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight," and Proverbs 16:11. These interconnected proverbs collectively articulate a consistent divine standard for economic integrity, emphasizing that honesty in the marketplace is not merely good business practice but a direct reflection of one's reverence for God and adherence to His moral order.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, commercial transactions frequently relied on physical weights and measures. Goods like grain, oil, and precious metals were bought and sold by weight, using stones as counterbalances on scales, or by volume, using standardized containers (such as the ephah for dry goods or the bath for liquids). The phrase "divers weights" (Hebrew: 'eben wa'eben, literally "a stone and a stone") and "divers measures" (Hebrew: 'ephah we'ephah, "an ephah and an ephah") refers to the widespread fraudulent practice of merchants possessing two sets of implements: one set of heavier weights or larger measures used when buying (to acquire more goods for less money), and another set of lighter weights or smaller measures used when selling (to dispense less goods for the same price). This deceitful practice disproportionately harmed the poor and vulnerable, who often lacked the means to verify quantities. Such exploitation was explicitly prohibited by the Mosaic Law, underscoring God's deep concern for social justice and the protection of the marginalized, as detailed in passages like Leviticus 19:35-36 and Deuteronomy 25:13-16.
Key Themes
Proverbs 20:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the wisdom literature and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of Divine Justice and Fairness, asserting that God is not apathetic to economic injustice but actively demands equity and transparency in all human dealings. This proverb highlights that the Lord's moral oversight extends into the seemingly mundane aspects of daily commerce. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of Integrity and Honesty, presenting deception—especially for personal gain—as morally repugnant to God. This principle transcends mere commercial transactions, extending to all areas of life where truthfulness is paramount, aligning with the wisdom tradition's call for a life of uncompromising moral rectitude. Finally, the potent use of the term "abomination" (Hebrew: tôwʻêbah) underscores God's Standard of Righteousness, signifying something utterly detestable to the Lord. This term is frequently employed for practices that deeply offend God's holy character, such as idolatry and sexual perversion, thus elevating commercial fraud to a serious moral offense in God's sight, emphasizing that His character is fundamentally one of righteousness and justice.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From a root meaning "to build," this word primarily refers to a "stone." In the context of ancient commerce, precisely calibrated stones served as counterweights on a balance scale to determine the quantity or value of goods. The phrase "divers weights" (literally "a stone and a stone") idiomatically implies the fraudulent use of two different sets of stones—one heavier for buying and one lighter for selling—to cheat in transactions.
Of Egyptian origin, this term denotes an "ephah," which was a standard dry measure, typically for grain, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or half a bushel. By extension, it refers to any container used for measuring commodities by volume. "Divers measures" (literally "an ephah and an ephah") similarly signifies the deceitful practice of using two different measuring containers—one larger for receiving goods and one smaller for dispensing them—to defraud customers.
This powerful and frequently used term in the Old Testament refers to something "disgusting," "detestable," or "abhorrent," particularly in a moral or religious sense. It signifies an act or practice that is utterly repugnant to God's holy nature and character. In Scripture, tôwʻêbah is often applied to grave sins like idolatry, sexual perversion, and child sacrifice. Its application here to commercial fraud elevates such dishonesty from a mere social misdemeanor to a profound offense against God Himself, indicating that it fundamentally contradicts His righteous character.
Verse Breakdown
"Divers weights, and divers measures,"
This opening clause vividly describes the specific acts of commercial fraud. The Hebrew construction, literally "a stone and a stone" and "an ephah and an ephah," employs a rhetorical device known as merism, which uses two contrasting or complementary parts to represent a complete range or totality. In this context, it signifies all forms of dishonest practices involving both weighing and measuring goods. It paints a clear picture of a deceitful merchant who maintains inconsistent standards for the sole purpose of manipulating transactions for personal gain, whether as a buyer or a seller.
"both of them are alike abomination"
This phrase delivers the unequivocal divine verdict on such practices. The word "alike" (Hebrew: gam) emphasizes that both forms of deceit—using false weights and using false measures—are equally condemned and held in the same degree of divine abhorrence. The strong term "abomination" (Hebrew: tôwʻêbah) reveals the depth of God's revulsion. It is not merely a disapproval but a profound moral disgust, indicating that such actions are antithetical to His character and His established moral order.
"to the LORD."
This concluding phrase identifies the ultimate judge and the offended party. The fraud is not solely 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 profoundly theological one, placing all human conduct, even in the marketplace, under divine scrutiny and judgment, underscoring that God's character demands integrity in all spheres of life.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 20:10 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its uncompromising message. The primary device is Merism, evident in the phrases "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 elements to encompass a complete range, here signifying all possible forms of dishonest commercial practices involving measurement and weight. The verse also utilizes Hyperbole or strong emotive language through the word "abomination" (tôwʻêbah). This term is not used lightly in Scripture; it conveys extreme detestation and moral repugnance, underscoring the severe gravity of commercial dishonesty in God's eyes by equating it with other profoundly offensive sins. Furthermore, the proverb 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 unwavering stance on integrity in the marketplace.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 20:10 stands as a foundational declaration of God's unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness, extending His moral law into the practical, everyday realm of commerce. It underscores the profound theological truth that God's character is one of absolute integrity and impartiality, 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 of human affairs but an active participant in the moral order, abhorring any practice that exploits vulnerability, undermines truth, or creates inequity. It elevates the seemingly 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, recognizing that all our dealings are conducted under His watchful eye.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 20:10 serves as a timeless and convicting 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, informational, or even the stewardship of our time and talents. It compels us to examine our own practices and motivations: Are we consistently honest and transparent in our work, our financial dealings, our advertising, and our interactions with others? Do we seek to gain an unfair advantage, or do we prioritize fairness, truth, and the well-being of our neighbor? Living out this proverb means cultivating a heart that abhors deception as God does, striving for transparency, equity, and unwavering ethical conduct in all dealings. It powerfully reminds us that our integrity is not merely a matter of human ethics or legal compliance but a profound reflection of our reverence for the God who sees all and demands righteousness from His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "divers weights, and divers measures" specifically refer to?
"Divers weights, and divers measures" refers to the ancient, fraudulent practice of using two different sets of weights or measuring containers in commercial transactions. For instance, a dishonest merchant might possess a heavier "weight" that they use when buying goods from a supplier (to make it appear they are receiving more for their payment) and a lighter "weight" that they use when selling those same goods to customers (to give less for the same price). Similarly, they might use a larger "measure" when receiving commodities and a smaller "measure" when dispensing them. This was a pervasive form of economic exploitation in ancient times, directly cheating customers and undermining fair trade, and it is explicitly condemned throughout the Old Testament as an affront to justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:13-16.
Why is this practice considered an "abomination to the LORD"?
The term "abomination" (Hebrew: tôwʻêbah) is a very strong word in the Old Testament, signifying something utterly detestable, repugnant, and morally offensive to God's holy character. This practice is an abomination to the LORD for several profound reasons: it demonstrates a fundamental lack of love for one's neighbor by exploiting them for selfish gain, it directly violates God's commands for justice and righteousness, and it reflects a heart that is deceitful and untrustworthy. God's very nature is truth, integrity, and justice, and any act that contradicts these attributes is deeply 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.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 20:10, with its unequivocal 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 pervasive inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous standards, Jesus perfectly embodied integrity and justice in every aspect of His life. He is the true standard of measure, the one who never engaged in "divers weights" but always acted with perfect truth, equity, and transparency. His teachings consistently upheld the spirit of this proverb, calling His followers to a righteousness that surpasses mere external compliance, demanding integrity of heart and motive (e.g., Matthew 5:37). Furthermore, the "abomination" of human sin, including all forms of deceit, injustice, and exploitation, was laid upon Christ on the cross (as described in 2 Corinthians 5:21), where He, the perfectly righteous one, 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 indwelling 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 and the King of kings.