Can I excuse dishonest scalesThis phrase addresses the issue of integrity in business practices, a common theme in the prophetic books. In ancient Israel, scales were used in trade to measure goods accurately. Dishonest scales symbolize corruption and deceit, which God condemns. The Law of Moses explicitly forbids such practices (
Leviticus 19:35-36;
Deuteronomy 25:13-16), emphasizing God's demand for honesty and fairness. This reflects God's character as just and righteous, and His expectation that His people reflect these attributes in their dealings.
or bags of false weights?
False weights were used to cheat customers, a practice that was prevalent in ancient marketplaces. This phrase highlights the broader issue of economic injustice and exploitation.Proverbs 11:1 and 20:23 also condemn false weights, showing that this was a recurring problem. The use of "bags" suggests premeditated deceit, as merchants would carry different sets of weights to manipulate transactions. This imagery serves as a metaphor for the moral and spiritual corruption that God is addressing through the prophet Micah. It also foreshadows the New Testament teachings of Jesus, who emphasized honesty and integrity in all aspects of life (Matthew 7:12;Luke 6:31).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MicahA prophet in the 8th century BC, Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea. He prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. His messages were directed towards both Israel and Judah, focusing on social justice and true worship.
2.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where Micah primarily directed his prophecies. During Micah's time, Judah was experiencing social and economic injustices, which the prophet condemned.
3.
Dishonest Scales and False WeightsThese are metaphors for deceit and corruption in business practices. In ancient times, scales and weights were used in trade, and dishonest measures were a way to cheat others.
Teaching Points
God's Standard of JusticeGod demands honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, including business and trade. Dishonest practices are not just a social issue but a spiritual one, as they reflect a heart that is not aligned with God's righteousness.
The Consequences of CorruptionCorruption and deceit lead to societal decay. When individuals and businesses engage in dishonest practices, it erodes trust and justice, leading to broader societal harm.
Personal IntegrityAs Christians, we are called to live with integrity in all areas of life. This includes being honest in our dealings, whether in business, personal relationships, or any other area.
Repentance and RestorationIf we find ourselves guilty of dishonest practices, God calls us to repentance. True repentance involves turning away from sin and making restitution where possible.
Reflecting God's CharacterOur actions should reflect God's character. By living honestly and justly, we bear witness to God's righteousness and justice in the world.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Micah 6
What is the Bible's perspective on inflation?
Micah 1:7 – How does the text’s condemnation of idol worship align with other passages that appear to offer different perspectives or degrees of tolerance for pagan practices?
Proverbs 11:1 states that the Lord detests dishonest scales--how can this moral stance be proven scientifically or historically?
Proverbs 20:10 condemns dishonest scales--what historical or archaeological evidence challenges or supports the accuracy of such transactions in ancient times?(11)
Shall I count them pure?--Rather,
Can I be innocent with the deceitful balances? The enactments about weights were very stringently expressed in the Law, both affirmatively and negatively:
e.g., in
Leviticus 19:35-36, "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have." And, "thou shalt not have in thy house divers weights," . . . and "divers measures, a great and small" (
Deuteronomy 25:13-14).
Verse 11. -
Shall I count them pure? literally,
Shall I be pure? The clause is obscure. The Authorized Version regards the speaker as the same as in ver. 10, and translates with some violence to the text. It may be that the prophet speaks as the representative of the awakened transgressor, "Can I be guiltless with such deceit about me?" But the sudden change of personification and of state of feeling is very harsh. Hence some follow Jerome in regarding God as the speaker, and rendering, "Shall I justify the wicked balance?" others, the Septuagint, Syriac, and Chaldee,
Αἰδικαιωθήσεται ἐν ζυγῷ ἄνομος; "Shall the wicked be justified by the balance?" Cheyne is inclined to read the verb in the second person, "Canst thou (O Jerusalem) be pure?" since in the next verse the prophet proceeds, "the rich men thereof" (
i.e. of Jerusalem). If we retain the present reading, "Can I be innocent?" we must consider the question as put, for effect's sake, in the mouth of one of the rich oppressors. Jerome's translation is contrary to the use of the verb, which is always intransitive in kal.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Can I excuseהַאֶזְכֶּ֖ה(ha·’ez·keh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2135:To be translucent, to be innocentdishonestרֶ֑שַׁע(re·ša‘)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7562:Wickednessscalesבְּמֹ֣אזְנֵי(bə·mō·zə·nê)Preposition-b | Noun - mdc
Strong's 3976:A pair of scalesor bagsוּבְכִ֖יס(ū·ḇə·ḵîs)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3599:A cup, a bag for, money, weightsof falseמִרְמָֽה׃(mir·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4820:Deceit, treacheryweights?אַבְנֵ֥י(’aḇ·nê)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 68:A stone
Links
Micah 6:11 NIVMicah 6:11 NLTMicah 6:11 ESVMicah 6:11 NASBMicah 6:11 KJV
Micah 6:11 BibleApps.comMicah 6:11 Biblia ParalelaMicah 6:11 Chinese BibleMicah 6:11 French BibleMicah 6:11 Catholic Bible
OT Prophets: Micah 6:11 Shall I be pure with dishonest scales (Mc Mic. Mi) 
