July 20, 2023
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. Proverbs 11:1
Weighting scales was a deliberate practice purposely employed to take advantage of others. The weight system on the scales was abused so that one could gain at the expense of another. Some merchants had two sets of weights with one set over and the other under the standard weight; one set was for buying and the other used when selling. The devious practice was commonly found in the marketplace and at times used in private business dealings. It was premeditated deception.
To construct a false balance is to deceive with understanding. It refers to any unjust or fraudulent practices. Today, technology has advanced but dishonest people still find ways to deceive in order to prosper. Old-fashioned dishonesty has given way to newfound methods of deception. Wire fraud, along with other elaborate schemes, has taken the place of weighted scales.
A false balance cheats under the pretense of doing right. It’s an injustice disguised so that it appears as good. This type of deception is an abomination to God, something He strongly detests and hates. It is both hypocritical and harmful.
We’re reminded that God pays attention to our daily lives. He’s interested in how you act Monday through Saturday as well as on Sunday and He’s just as concerned with how you buy and sell as He is with how you pray. God cares about your daily conduct.
Deception may provide gain but it will also leave you with a defiled conscience. Be fair and honest in all of your business dealings and treat others as you would want to be treated. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12
A fair and honest person pleases the LORD. Thanks for reading…
Pastor Ramirez