Proverbs 20:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good.

NIV: The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.

NASB: Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, And a false scale is not good.

CSB: Differing weights are detestable to the Lord, and dishonest scales are unfair.

NLT: The Lord detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales.

KJV: Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good.

NKJV: Diverse weights are an abomination to the Lord, And dishonest scales are not good.

This verse is almost identical to a recent statement from this same chapter (Proverbs 20:10). Where verse 10 mentions unequal measures, this proverb condemns false scales. The general idea is the same: a dishonest, deceitful practice meant to cheat someone. Even haggling for a price can go too far (Proverbs 20:14), so setting up a scale that lies about its measurements is blatantly sinful and despicable in God's eyes (Proverbs 11:1).

Dishonesty is condemned in Scripture (Exodus 20:15–16; Proverbs 6:16–19). In business, as well as in every area of life, the Lord demands honesty. In Leviticus 19:35–36 the Lord commanded Israel: "You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measures of length or weight or quantity. You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." In Deuteronomy 25:13–16 the Lord commanded, "You shall not have in your bag two kinds of weights, a large and a small. You shall not have in your house two kinds of measures, a large and a small. A full and fair weight you shall have, a full and fair measure you shall have, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. For all that do such things, all who act dishonestly, are an abomination to the LORD your God."

A person might violate this principle in a very literal way, by modifying measuring tools to get a favorable result. Yet the same concept applies to corrupt bookkeeping, false reporting, or other tricks. God sees and knows all such things (Hebrews 4:13).

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.