Differing weights and unequal measures—In ancient commerce, weights and measures were essential for fair trade. Merchants used scales and weights to determine the value of goods. Differing weights refer to the practice of using heavier or lighter weights to deceive customers, ensuring the merchant benefits unfairly. This practice is condemned throughout the Bible as it represents dishonesty and exploitation. In
Leviticus 19:35-36, God commands the Israelites to use honest scales and weights, emphasizing integrity in business dealings. The use of differing weights is a metaphor for broader injustices and deceit in society.
both are detestable to the LORD.
The term "detestable" indicates something that is abominable or loathsome to God. This strong language underscores the seriousness with which God views dishonesty and injustice. The Lord's detestation of such practices reflects His nature as a God of truth and justice. InDeuteronomy 25:13-16, God explicitly states that those who engage in such deceit are an abomination to Him. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God desires His people to reflect His character in their dealings with others. The call for honesty and fairness is not just a legal requirement but a reflection of divine holiness.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where trade and commerce were integral to daily life, and fair dealings were essential for community trust.
3.
Merchants and TradersIn the context of this proverb, merchants and traders are implied as those who might use differing weights and measures to deceive and gain unfair advantage.
Teaching Points
Integrity in BusinessAs Christians, we are called to conduct all our business dealings with honesty and integrity. This means being transparent and fair in our transactions, reflecting God's character in our work.
God's Detestation of DishonestyThe use of differing weights and measures is not just a minor offense; it is detestable to God. This underscores the seriousness with which God views integrity and justice.
Reflecting God's JusticeOur actions in business and personal dealings should reflect God's justice. We are His representatives on earth, and our integrity can be a powerful testimony to others.
The Heart of the MatterWhile the proverb speaks to physical weights and measures, it also addresses the heart's condition. Are we honest in all areas of life, or do we allow small compromises?
Community TrustFair dealings build trust within a community. As Christians, we should strive to be trustworthy, contributing to a society where justice and fairness prevail.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:10?
2.How does Proverbs 20:10 warn against dishonest business practices today?
3.What does "differing weights and measures" symbolize in our daily interactions?
4.How can we ensure fairness in our financial dealings as Proverbs 20:10 advises?
5.What other scriptures emphasize honesty and integrity in business?
6.How can Proverbs 20:10 guide our ethical decisions in modern society?
7.What does Proverbs 20:10 mean by "differing weights and measures" in a modern context?
8.How does Proverbs 20:10 relate to ethical business practices today?
9.Why does God detest "differing weights and measures" according to Proverbs 20:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20?
11.Proverbs 20:10 condemns dishonest scales—what historical or archaeological evidence challenges or supports the accuracy of such transactions in ancient times?
12.What is the Bible's perspective on capitalism?
13.Since Amos condemns unjust business practices in Amos 8:4–5, what extra-biblical records confirm or contradict the prevalence of such practices in ancient Israel?
14.What are the Biblical weights and measures?What Does Proverbs 20:10 Mean
Context ofProverbs 20:10Proverbs gathers brief, Spirit-inspired sayings that apply God’s wisdom to everyday life. Chapter 20 focuses on integrity, speech, and business dealings. Verse 10 states: “Differing weights and unequal measures—both are detestable to the LORD”. Similar proverbs appear elsewhere (Proverbs 11:1; 16:11), showing repetition for emphasis. From the Law, Israel already knew God’s stance: “You shall not have two differing weights… a full and honest weight you shall have” (Deuteronomy 25:13-16). Proverbs now presses that truth into daily experience.
Understanding differing weights and unequal measures• In the ancient marketplace, merchants used stone weights or measuring baskets.
• Keeping a heavier stone for buying and a lighter one for selling let a trader cheat while appearing legitimate (Leviticus 19:35-36).
• The verse pictures deliberate, premeditated deceit—one set of tools for public show, another for secret gain (Amos 8:5).
• By calling out both the weights and the measures, the proverb covers every possible scheme, large or small (Micah 6:10-11).
Why God calls it detestable• “Detestable” (abomination) is the same strong word used for idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:25-26). God places dishonest commerce in that category because it contradicts His holy nature (Psalm 145:17).
• Cheating a neighbor violates the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18;Romans 13:9-10).
• It tramples the vulnerable; “The LORD protects the stranger” (Psalm 146:9), so swindling them earns His wrath.
• God sees everything under the counter (Hebrews 4:13). What seems like a clever trick becomes blatant rebellion in His sight.
Implications for personal integrity• Integrity means the same standard at home, work, and church (Proverbs 10:9).
• Jesus affirmed, “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much” (Luke 16:10). If I shade the truth in small transactions, my heart is already compromised.
• James warns against showing partiality—another form of “differing weights”—in how we treat people (James 2:1-4).
• Practical checkpoints:
– Honest taxes and expense reports
– Accurate timecards
– Transparent online sales descriptions
– Paying fair wages on time (James 5:4)
Implications for community and commerce• Righteous standards keep society stable: “Righteousness exalts a nation” (Proverbs 14:34).
• Fair trade honors God and blesses all parties; buyers receive what they pay for, sellers gain a clear conscience and lasting reputation (Proverbs 22:1).
• Civil authorities bear responsibility to maintain just weights (Proverbs 16:11) and punish fraud (Romans 13:3-4).
• When businesses model honesty, they become lights that point customers to the God of truth (Matthew 5:16).
The call to reflect God’s character• God’s measurements never shift: His promises stand fast (Numbers 23:19;Hebrews 6:18).
• By refusing double standards, believers mirror His unchanging righteousness (Ephesians 4:24).
• The gospel underscores this call: Christ paid the full, exact price for sin (1 Peter 1:18-19). Having received that integrity, we are to extend it in every transaction (Colossians 3:9-10).
summaryProverbs 20:10 declares that any form of dishonest dealing is abominable to the Lord. The verse condemns the hidden practice of using one standard for personal gain and another for public show. God hates such deceit because it violates love for neighbor, exploits the vulnerable, and contradicts His truthful nature. For believers, the proverb urges consistent integrity—no double standards in money, relationships, or influence. Living by one honest measure honors God, protects community, and showcases the steadfast character of the One whose scales are always true.
(10)
Divers weights and divers measures. . .--See above on
Proverbs 11:1.
Verse 10. -
Divers weights, and
divers measures; literally,
stone and stone, ephah and ephah. The stones were used for weighing: dishonest traders kept them of different weights, and also measures of different capacities, substituting one for the other in order to defraud unwary customers. The Septuagint makes this plain by rendering, "A weight great and small, and measures double" (see on Proverbs 11:1 and Proverbs 16:11; and comp. ver. 23). The ephah was a dry measure, being one-tenth of the homer, and occupying the same position in solids as the bath did in liquids. It equalled about three pecks of our measure.
Both of them are alike abomination to the Lord (
Proverbs 17:15; comp.
Leviticus 19:36;
Deuteronomy 25:13, etc.); Septuagint, "Are impure before the Lord, even both of them, and he who doeth them." Pseudo-Bernard ('De Pass. Dom.,' 17.), applying the passage mystically, teaches that a man may be said to keep a double measure, who, being conscious of his own evil character, endeavours to appear righteous to others; who, as he puts it, "Suo judicio terrae proximus est, et aliis cupit elevatus videri." Others, connecting this verse in thought with the preceding, see in it a warning against judging a neighbour by a standard which we do not apply to ourselves. The Septuagint Version arranges the matter from ver. 10 onwards differently from the Hebrew, omitting vers. 14-19, and placing vers. 10-13 after ver. 22.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Differingאֶ֣בֶן(’e·ḇen)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 68:A stoneweightsוָ֭אֶבֶן(wā·’e·ḇen)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 68:A stoneand unequal measures—אֵיפָ֣ה(’ê·p̄āh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 374:Ephah -- an ephah (a measure of grain)bothשְׁנֵיהֶֽם׃(šə·nê·hem)Number - mdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)are detestableתּוֹעֲבַ֥ת(tō·w·‘ă·ḇaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8441:Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idolto the LORD.יְ֝הוָ֗ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:10 Differing weights and differing measures both (Prov. Pro Pr) 
