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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 20:23.
This is to the same purport with what was said Pro 20:20. 1. It is here repeated, because it is a sin that God doubly hates (as lying, which is of the same nature with this sin, is mentioned twice among the seven things that God hates, Pro 6:17, Pro 6:19), and because it was probably a sin very much practised at that time in Israel, and therefore made light of as if there were no harm in it, under pretence that, being commonly used, there was no trading without it. 2. It is here added, A false balance is not good, to intimate that it is not only abominable to God, but unprofitable to the sinner himself; there is really no good to be got by it, no, not a good bargain, for a bargain made by fraud will prove a losing bargain in the end.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
It is an abomination to the Lord to have diverse weights, etc. For having diverse weights and a deceitful scale in one's heart means that while seeking pardon from the Lord for one's own sins, one is unwilling to forgive a man who has sinned against and repented toward oneself. He who is God strives to be moved to compassion by prayers; although he, being human, cannot be moved to mercy by any human prayers, that he may rightfully be abhorred by the Lord as an unjust weigher, since his injuries are measured as graver than those of the Lord: for example, he who does not wish to forgive one who has defiled his wife and asks to be forgiven himself, although he may have defiled a virgin espoused to Christ; or certainly, may have defiled his soul consecrated to God in baptism with some filth of vice.
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Summary
Proverbs 20:23 delivers a profound divine indictment against commercial dishonesty, declaring that "Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good." This proverb articulates God's unwavering demand for absolute integrity, truthfulness, and fairness in all human transactions, revealing that deceptive practices in the marketplace are not merely social transgressions or minor ethical lapses but direct affronts to His righteous character, His moral order, and the well-being of His people.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 20 is an integral part of the larger collection of Solomonic wisdom, offering pithy, independent sayings designed to impart practical guidance for living a righteous and discerning life in covenant with God. Within this chapter, verse 23 stands as a powerful moral injunction against economic fraud, echoing and reinforcing themes of justice and integrity found elsewhere in the book. It is immediately preceded by proverbs that touch upon the deceitfulness of the heart and the importance of discernment (Proverbs 20:9-11). Notably, the condemnation of "divers weights" is reiterated from Proverbs 20:10, emphasizing the pervasive nature of this ethical concern in ancient society and God's consistent, unyielding disapproval of such practices. This repetition highlights the gravity of the offense and its centrality to a life of wisdom.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, as throughout the ancient Near East, trade and commerce were fundamental to daily life, with transactions frequently involving the measurement of goods like grain, precious metals, or other commodities using physical scales and weights, often simple stones. In the absence of standardized currency or regulated markets, individuals were highly susceptible to exploitation. Unscrupulous merchants could easily manipulate these tools by possessing two sets of weights—one heavier for buying (to get more goods for the same declared weight) and one lighter for selling (to give less goods for the same declared weight)—or by rigging the balance itself to tilt in their favor. This widespread practice, known as "divers weights" or "false balances," constituted a common and insidious form of fraud. The Mosaic Law explicitly and repeatedly forbade such dishonest practices, underscoring that God's moral law extended directly into the marketplace and economic dealings, as evidenced in foundational texts like Leviticus 19:35-36 and Deuteronomy 25:13-16.
Key Themes
Proverbs 20:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of Divine Justice and Integrity, asserting that God Himself is a God of perfect justice who demands honesty and righteousness from His people in all spheres of life, including commercial transactions. Deception in trade is therefore not merely a social misdemeanor but a direct affront to His immutable character. Secondly, the proverb underscores the theme of Ethical Conduct in Daily Life, demonstrating that true wisdom (חָכְמָה, ḥokmâ) is not confined to spiritual rituals or intellectual pursuits but permeates every practical aspect of human interaction. The pursuit of wisdom necessitates living with unwavering integrity even in the most mundane economic exchanges. Finally, the strong language of "abomination" connects commercial fraud to the broader theme of Holiness and Separation, indicating that such practices are utterly detestable to God, much like idolatry or other severe moral offenses that defile the community and violate the covenant (e.g., Deuteronomy 18:12).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This powerful term denotes something morally disgusting, an abhorrence, or something utterly detestable to God. It is frequently employed in the Old Testament to describe practices that are deeply offensive to the divine character, such as idolatry, sexual perversion, or child sacrifice. Its application here to "divers weights" elevates commercial dishonesty from a mere social misdeed to a grave spiritual offense, demonstrating God's profound revulsion towards injustice and deceit, which undermine the very fabric of community and covenant.
Meaning fraud, craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), feigned, guile, subtilty, or treachery. This word emphasizes the intentionality, cunning, and malicious intent behind the dishonest act. It is not an accidental error but a deliberate scheme to defraud, highlighting the moral culpability of the one employing the "false balance." It speaks to a corrupt heart that seeks to gain at another's expense through trickery and deception.
This word (always in the dual form in Hebrew, referring to the two pans of a scale) signifies a pair of scales. In the context of "false balance," it refers to scales that have been tampered with, manipulated, or calibrated inaccurately to yield a dishonest measurement, invariably favoring the merchant over the customer. Together with "divers weights," it paints a vivid and comprehensive picture of the various methods used to perpetrate commercial fraud in ancient times, all of which are unequivocally condemned by God.
Verse Breakdown
"Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD;"
This initial clause directly condemns the practice of using multiple, non-standardized weights to cheat others. The phrase "divers weights" (literally "a stone and a stone" in Hebrew, referring to H68, 'eben, a stone used as a weight) encapsulates the unethical practice of having a heavier set of weights for purchasing goods (to acquire more than paid for) and a lighter set for selling them (to give less than paid for), ensuring the merchant always profited unfairly. The declaration that this is an "abomination unto the LORD" (H3068) underscores the divine judgment against such deceit. It signifies that God views this practice with utter revulsion, equating it with other severe moral and religious offenses that violate His holiness and justice.
"and a false balance is not good."
This second clause reinforces the first, condemning another method of commercial fraud: the use of rigged or manipulated scales. A "false balance" (H4820 + H3976) implies a scale that has been tampered with or calibrated inaccurately to give a dishonest reading, thus deceiving the customer. The phrase "is not good" (H2896) serves as a powerful understatement, or litotes, which, in Hebrew wisdom literature, often carries a much stronger negative connotation than it might appear in English. It implies something that is profoundly wrong, unacceptable, and contrary to God's righteous standards, echoing and intensifying the "abomination" of the first clause.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 20:23 masterfully employs Synonymous Parallelism, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, where the second line or clause reiterates, expands upon, or strengthens the thought presented in the first. "Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD" is paralleled by "and a false balance is not good." Both clauses condemn commercial dishonesty, using different but related terms ("divers weights" and "false balance") to describe the same underlying sin of deception in trade, thereby reinforcing the message. The use of Emphatic Language is prominent, particularly with the term "abomination" (tôwʻêbah), which conveys God's intense disgust and moral revulsion towards such practices. The seemingly milder "is not good" in the second clause functions as a profound form of Litotes, a rhetorical understatement that actually emphasizes the severity of the offense, implying that it is profoundly evil, unacceptable, and deeply offensive in God's sight. This dual condemnation, utilizing both strong direct language and emphatic understatement, powerfully communicates the divine disapproval of all forms of commercial fraud and injustice.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 20:23 stands as a powerful testament to God's character as a God of absolute justice, truth, and order. It reveals that His concern for righteousness extends far beyond the purely religious or ceremonial into the practical, everyday dealings of humanity, particularly in economic life. The principle articulated here is deeply rooted in the very nature of God, who is inherently just and truthful, and therefore demands these qualities from His covenant people. Dishonesty in commerce is not merely a breach of human trust or a social inconvenience but a direct offense against the divine standard of integrity. This verse highlights that true worship and reverence for the LORD are demonstrated not only in temple rituals or theological declarations but also, and crucially, in the ethical conduct of one's business and financial affairs, reflecting the holistic nature of biblical faith that seamlessly integrates spirituality with daily life.
This foundational principle of honest weights and measures is a recurring and vital theme throughout the Old Testament, underscoring its foundational importance for a righteous society:
Reflection and Application
While the literal use of "divers weights" and "false balances" may be less common in the mechanics of modern commerce, the underlying principle of Proverbs 20:23 remains profoundly relevant and urgently applicable to contemporary life. This proverb calls believers to an unwavering commitment to honesty, transparency, and fairness in all financial dealings, business practices, and personal interactions. It challenges us to critically examine our own hearts for any inclination towards deception, manipulation, or seeking unfair advantage, whether in our professional lives, tax reporting, contractual agreements, academic pursuits, or even in the way we present ourselves and our services. Our integrity in the smallest of transactions, the accuracy of our claims, and the fairness of our exchanges are not peripheral matters but direct reflections of our reverence for God and our love for our neighbor. Ultimately, this proverb reminds us that our faith is not compartmentalized; it permeates every aspect of our lives, calling us to embody God's justice and righteousness in a world often characterized by deceit and self-interest.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is commercial dishonesty considered an "abomination" to the LORD, a term often reserved for idolatry and other severe offenses?
The term "abomination" (Hebrew: tôwʻêbah) signifies something utterly detestable and morally repugnant to God. While it is indeed frequently used for idolatry, sexual perversion, and severe religious offenses, its application to commercial dishonesty in Proverbs 20:23 reveals that God's moral order is holistic and encompasses all aspects of life, including economic interactions. Deceit in commerce is an abomination because it violates God's character of truth and justice, exploits the vulnerable, breaks trust within the community, and ultimately demonstrates a profound lack of love for one's neighbor. It is a rejection of the divine standard of righteousness and a manifestation of covetousness, which the Bible often links to idolatry (e.g., Colossians 3:5). Therefore, cheating in the marketplace is not merely a social faux pas but a profound spiritual offense against God Himself and His design for human flourishing.
How does this proverb apply to modern business practices where physical scales are less common?
While the literal use of physical scales and weights may be less common in many modern transactions, the underlying principle of Proverbs 20:23 remains profoundly relevant and universally applicable. "Divers weights" and "false balances" serve as metaphors for any form of intentional deception, manipulation, or misrepresentation employed for personal gain in economic dealings. This can manifest today in numerous ways, including: misleading advertising or product descriptions; hidden fees or deceptive pricing structures; falsifying financial records or tax declarations; unfair labor practices that exploit employees or deny fair wages; insider trading or market manipulation; or even plagiarism and intellectual property theft. The core message is about unwavering integrity, truthfulness, and fairness in all our dealings, ensuring that our word is our bond and that we do not profit by defrauding or disadvantaging others. This applies to every transaction, from online purchases to corporate mergers, reflecting the enduring call to live justly and love mercy, as articulated in Micah 6:8.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 20:23, with its unequivocal condemnation of commercial dishonesty, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Law and wisdom literature meticulously established the divine standard for integrity in the marketplace, Christ perfectly embodied this standard in His sinless life, demonstrating absolute truthfulness, justice, and transparency in all His interactions. He consistently exposed hypocrisy and deceit, particularly among those who exploited others for gain, most powerfully illustrated in His righteous cleansing of the temple, where He overturned the tables of money-changers who had turned a house of prayer into a "den of robbers" (Matthew 21:13). Furthermore, Jesus' transformative teachings, such as the Golden Rule, which commands us to "do to others what you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12), directly oppose the self-serving and exploitative nature inherent in "divers weights." In the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, empowering them to live lives of radical integrity that authentically reflect God's character. The Spirit produces fruit like "goodness," "faithfulness," and "self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23), which inherently preclude dishonest practices. Thus, the Christian's pursuit of honesty and fairness in all dealings is not merely adherence to an Old Testament law, but a Spirit-empowered outworking of their new identity in Christ, who is Himself "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Our integrity in commerce and all areas of life becomes a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel and the righteousness of our King.