Proverbs 20:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

NIV: Differing weights and differing measures— the Lord detests them both.

NASB: Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the Lord.

CSB: Differing weights and varying measures — both are detestable to the Lord.

NLT: False weights and unequal measures — the Lord detests double standards of every kind.

KJV: Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord.

NKJV: Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the Lord.

Because God is holy and righteous, He detests sin, which includes theft and dishonesty (Exodus 20:15; Proverbs 6:16–19). An example of both is cheating in business, here portrayed as the use of deceptive measurements. In the ancient world, this could involve using two different sets of weights, while pretending they were the same. A crooked vendor might agree to trade a certain weight of grain for a certain weight of gold, using these modified balances to secretly cheat a customer. The Hebrew phrase literally says something like "weights and weights, measures and measures," calling such things despicable in God's eyes.

Cheating in business has always been a temptation for mankind; it's one clear example of the charge made in verse 9 that no one is pure and clean from sin (Proverbs 20:9). This can involve literal weights, as when a dishonest butcher presses on the scale with his thumb to gain a bigger payment for his meat—but the Lord sees the thumb (Hebrews 4:13). It also applies to any form of deception, whether it relies on physical tricks or corrupt record-keeping. The Lord always sees the transaction. No one can cheat in business and escape God's notice and judgment. All dishonest transactions are an "abomination" to Him.

The same sentiment is repeated in verse 23, with additional emphasis on using deceptive scales (Proverbs 20:23).

In this section of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1), he again discusses a wide range of subjects. These echo many of the common themes of the book of Proverbs. Solomon warns against foolishness (Proverbs 1:7), hastiness, angering authorities, and the consequences of sin and dishonesty. Several references condemn dishonest business dealings. Others note the value of diligence in making decisions.

This chapter of Proverbs belongs to the second division of the book that extends from Proverbs chapter 10 to chapter 22, in which there are nearly 400 wise sayings. Proverbs 20 continues the collection of Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter Solomon focuses on numerous things which harm the unwise. Among them are laziness, wrong values, and bad decisions.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.