Honest scales and balances are from the LORD;This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of justice and fairness. In ancient times, scales and balances were essential tools for trade and commerce, ensuring that transactions were conducted fairly. The Bible frequently uses the imagery of scales to symbolize justice and righteousness (
Leviticus 19:36,
Ezekiel 45:10). The LORD's involvement signifies that true justice is not merely a human construct but is rooted in God's character. This aligns with the biblical principle that God is just and desires His people to reflect His justice in their dealings (
Deuteronomy 25:13-16). The use of honest scales is a metaphor for integrity in all aspects of life, pointing to the moral and ethical standards that God expects from His followers.
all the weights in the bag are His concern.
Weights were used in conjunction with scales to measure goods accurately. In the ancient Near East, dishonest merchants might use different weights to cheat customers, a practice condemned in Scripture (Proverbs 11:1,Micah 6:11). This phrase underscores God's omniscience and His concern for honesty in even the smallest details of life. It suggests that God is aware of and cares about the integrity of every transaction, no matter how minor it may seem. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God is concerned with the heart and actions of individuals (1 Samuel 16:7). The phrase also implies accountability, reminding believers that they are ultimately answerable to God for their actions. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who embodies perfect justice and truth, and who will judge the world with righteousness (Acts 17:31).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.
2.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where commerce and trade were integral to daily life. Honest scales were essential for fair trade and justice.
3.
Merchants and TradersIn the context of this verse, merchants and traders are implied as those who use scales and balances in their business dealings.
Teaching Points
God's Standard of JusticeGod is the ultimate source of justice and fairness. His concern for honest scales reflects His desire for integrity in all aspects of life.
Integrity in BusinessAs followers of Christ, we are called to conduct our business dealings with honesty and transparency, reflecting God's character in our work.
Divine OwnershipThe verse reminds us that everything, including the tools of our trade, belongs to God. We are stewards of His resources and must use them responsibly.
Moral AccountabilityWe are accountable to God for our actions, including how we treat others in business. Our integrity in small matters reflects our faithfulness to Him.
Reflecting God's CharacterBy practicing honesty and fairness, we bear witness to God's righteousness and justice in a world that often values profit over principle.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 16:11?
2.How does Proverbs 16:11 emphasize God's role in establishing fair business practices?
3.What are practical ways to ensure "honest scales" in our daily transactions?
4.How can Proverbs 16:11 guide Christians in maintaining integrity at work?
5.Compare Proverbs 16:11 with Leviticus 19:36 on honest measurements. What similarities exist?
6.How can we apply the principle of "just weights" in modern financial dealings?
7.How does Proverbs 16:11 relate to God's sovereignty over justice and fairness in society?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 16:11?
9.How does Proverbs 16:11 challenge modern views on ethics and morality?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16?
11.How should one live wisely according to Amenemope?
12.What does the Bible say about Christian business?
13.Proverbs 11:1 states that the Lord detests dishonest scales--how can this moral stance be proven scientifically or historically?
14.What guidance does the Bible offer on money management?What Does Proverbs 16:11 Mean
Honest scales and balancesProverbs 16:11 opens with a reminder that “Honest scales and balances” matter. In ancient marketplaces, merchants used stones and beams to weigh grain, oil, metals, or fabric. God’s people were expected to keep those tools calibrated:
•Leviticus 19:35-36 urges, “You shall do no wrong in judgment… You shall have honest balances, honest weights.”
•Proverbs 11:1 echoes, “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.”
By pointing to visible, everyday equipment, Scripture spotlights integrity where commerce meets character. If the scale reads true, it shows a heart that loves truth.
are from the LORDThe verse continues, underscoring that “Honest scales and balances are from the LORD.” God is not merely a supporter of fairness; He is its source. Every reliable standard traces back to His nature.
•James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”
•Proverbs 2:6 adds, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
A merchant who keeps his weights aligned with truth is really aligning them with God Himself. The believer’s business ethics become an act of worship, acknowledging that fairness originates in the character of the Creator.
all the weights in the bagMerchants carried multiple stones in a pouch—small for coins, large for grain. Proverbs draws attention to “all the weights,” big and tiny, seen and unseen.
•Micah 6:11 asks, “Shall I acquit a man with dishonest scales, with a bag of false weights?”
•Luke 16:10 teaches, “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.”
The Lord’s spotlight sweeps across every transaction, down to the smallest measure. Integrity is not selective; it saturates the entire “bag,” whether that bag holds business ledgers, online invoices, or casual favors.
are His concernFinally, Scripture states that these weights “are His concern.” God personally owns the issue of honesty. He is invested, attentive, and active.
•Hebrews 4:13 reminds us that “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.”
•Psalm 11:7 declares, “For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice; the upright will behold His face.”
When we treat our neighbor fairly—whether at a cash register, in a contract, or in private promises—we step into something God cherishes. Conversely, deceit in daily dealings offends Him because it contradicts His righteous heart.
summaryProverbs 16:11 teaches that everyday honesty is more than good citizenship; it is obedience to the God who created and defines justice. He supplies the standard, surveys every detail, and delights in fairness. From the largest transaction to the smallest coin, integrity reflects His character and garners His blessing.
(11)
A just weight and balance are the Lord's.--See above on
Proverbs 11:1.
Verse 11. -
A just weight and balance are the Lord's (
Proverbs 11:1); literally,
the balance and scales of justice (
are)
the Lord's. They come under his law, are subject to the Divine ordinances which regulate all man's dealings. The great principles of truth end justice govern all the transactions of buying and selling; religion enters into the business of trading, and weights and measures are sacred things. Vulgate, "The weights and the balance are judgments of the Lord;" being true and fair, they are regarded as God's judgment. Septuagint, "The turn of the balance is justice before God."
All the weights of the bag are his work. Some have round a difficulty here, because the bag may contain false as well as true weights (
Deuteronomy 25:13), and it could not be said that the light weights were the Lord's work. This surely is captious criticism. The maxim merely states that the trader's weights take their origin and authority from God's enactment, from certain eternal principles which he has established. What man's chicanery and fraud make of them does not come into view. (For the law that regulates such matters, see
Leviticus 19:35, etc.) That cheating in this respect was not uncommon we learn from the complaints of the prophets, as
Micah 6:11. The religious character of the standard weights and measures is shown by the term "shekel of the sanctuary" (
Exodus 38:24, and elsewhere continually).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Honestמִ֭שְׁפָּט(miš·pāṭ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941:A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, stylescalesפֶּ֤לֶס ׀(pe·les)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6425:A balance, scaleand balancesוּמֹאזְנֵ֣י(ū·mō·zə·nê)Conjunctive waw | Noun - mdc
Strong's 3976:A pair of scales[are from] the LORD;לַֽיהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe weightsאַבְנֵי־(’aḇ·nê-)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 68:A stonein the bagכִֽיס׃(ḵîs)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3599:A cup, a bag for, money, weightsare His concern.מַ֝עֲשֵׂ֗הוּ(ma·‘ă·śê·hū)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4639:An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:11 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's (Prov. Pro Pr) 
