Proverbs 20:10

Proverbs 20:10 (KJV) delivers a clear and emphatic condemnation of dishonesty in commerce: "¶ Divers weights, [and] divers measures, both of them [are] alike abomination to the LORD." This verse underscores God's unwavering demand for integrity and fairness in all human dealings.

Context and Historical Significance

In ancient Israel, as in many early societies, trade relied heavily on physical weights for measuring precious metals, and various containers for measuring grains, liquids, and other commodities. The phrase "divers weights" (Hebrew: 'even wa'even, "a stone and a stone") and "divers measures" (Hebrew: 'ephah we'ephah, "ephah and ephah") refers to the deceitful practice of using one set of weights or measures when buying (to get more for less) and another set when selling (to give less for more). This was a common form of fraud, directly exploiting the trust of customers and undermining the very foundation of fair exchange.

This proverb echoes the principles found in the Mosaic Law, which explicitly commanded honest weights and measures. For instance, Deuteronomy 25:13-16 states, "Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small... But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have." Such commands highlighted God's concern for social justice and the protection of the vulnerable from exploitation.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Justice and Fairness: The verse emphasizes that God is not indifferent to economic injustice. He demands equity and transparency in all transactions.
• Integrity and Honesty: Deception, especially for personal gain, is morally repugnant to God. This extends beyond commerce to all areas of life where truthfulness is paramount.
• God's Standard of Righteousness: The strong term "abomination" (Hebrew: to'evah) signifies something utterly detestable to the Lord. It is often used for practices that deeply offend God's holy character, such as idolatry and sexual perversion, placing commercial fraud on a serious moral level in His sight. This highlights that God's character is one of righteousness and justice.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew construction for "divers weights" (אֶבֶן וָאֶבֶן) and "divers measures" (אֵיפָה וְאֵיפָה) uses a repetition of the noun, which idiomatically signifies a duality or variety, specifically in this context, a fraudulent inconsistency. It paints a vivid picture of a merchant clandestinely switching between two different standards to cheat. The word "abomination" (תּוֹעֵבָה - to'evah) is a powerful term in the Old Testament, denoting something inherently disgusting or offensive to God's moral nature. It is a concept that appears frequently in Proverbs regarding dishonesty, as seen in Proverbs 11:1: "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight."

Practical Application

While the context of ancient commerce involved literal weights and measures, the principle of Proverbs 20:10 remains profoundly relevant today. It calls believers to:

• Honesty in Modern Business: This includes accurate product descriptions, fair pricing, transparent dealings, and avoiding deceptive advertising or hidden fees. It applies to employers and employees alike, ensuring fair wages and honest work.
• Integrity in All Relationships: The spirit of the verse extends to every aspect of life where fairness and truth are required, from personal relationships to public service. It cautions against any form of hypocrisy or inconsistency in moral standards.
• Consistency in Character: Just as God is consistent in His character, so He expects His people to demonstrate consistent integrity, reflecting His unchanging nature.

Ultimately, Proverbs 20:10 serves as a timeless reminder that true prosperity and blessing come from conducting oneself with unwavering honesty, knowing that God observes and judges all actions, demanding righteousness in every sphere of life.