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Proverbs 11:1
Verse
Context
Dishonest Scales
1Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The next three proverbs treat of honesty, discretion, and innocence or dove-like simplicity: 1 Deceitful balances are an abomination to Jahve; But a full weight is His delight. The very same proverb, with slightly varied expression, is found in Pro 20:23; and other such like proverbs, in condemnation of false and in approbation of true balances, are found, Pro 20:10; Pro 16:11; similar predicates, but connected with other subjects, are found at Pro 12:22; Pro 15:8. "An abomination to Jahve" is an expression we have already twice met with in the introduction, Pro 3:32; Pro 6:16, cf. Pro 8:7; תּועבה is, like תּועה, a participial noun, in which the active conception of abhorring is transferred to the action accomplished. רצון is in post-biblical Hebr. the designation of the arbitrium and the voluntas; but here רצונו signifies not that which God wishes, but that which He delights in having. "מרמה (here for the first time in Proverbs), from רמה, the Piel of which means (Pro 26:19) aliquem dolo et fraude petere. אבן, like the Pers. sanak, sanakh, Arab. ṣajat, a stone for weight; and finally, without any reference to its root signification, like Zac 5:8, אבן העופרת, a leaden weight, as when we say: a horseshoe of gold, a chess-man of ivory."
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:1 Here, honest practices are applied to the business world (see also 16:11; 20:10, 23; Lev 19:35-37; Deut 25:13-15; Ezek 45:10; Hos 12:7-8; Mic 6:11). • Scales were often made of two metal bowls suspended from a crossbar. The unit of currency, the shekel, comes from the verb meaning “to weigh” (see Amos 8:5-6).
Proverbs 11:1
Dishonest Scales
1Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(2006 Conference) 12. the Balance of Truth-3 (Bible Study)
By Zac Poonen2.4K59:20PRO 11:1MAT 28:18MRK 16:151CO 14:241TI 3:5JAS 1:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of finding balance in various aspects of the Christian life. It discusses the need for balancing evangelism with discipleship, ensuring that both aspects are given proper attention. The speaker highlights the significance of not only converting individuals but also making them into godly disciples who obey all that Jesus commanded. The message stresses the importance of being a witness for Christ in everyday life, both in evangelism and in building up fellow believers through discipleship.
(Through the Bible) Proverbs 11-15
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21PRO 11:1PRO 14:34LUK 12:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of studying and applying the word of God. He encourages the listeners to not just be hearers of the word, but to also be doers. The preacher emphasizes the consequences of wealth obtained through dishonest means and the blessings that come from hard work. He also highlights the impact of hope deferred and the importance of fearing and obeying God's commandments. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of a soft answer in diffusing anger.
Jesus Is the Light of the World - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.2K09:42EXO 20:15PRO 11:1PRO 22:6MAL 4:2JHN 8:12JHN 8:23EPH 5:8This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the light of the world and the need for transparency and integrity in our lives. He challenges listeners to live in the light of Christ, exposing and repenting of hidden sins and dishonest practices. The message highlights the significance of moral revival beyond just economic prosperity, stressing the foundational role of God's Word in restoring integrity and righteousness in society.
A Spiritual Life
By Joshua Daniel1.0K14:30Spiritual LifePRO 6:16PRO 11:1PRO 13:24MAT 7:7MRK 4:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not acquiring money through evil means such as deceit and false balance. He shares a heartbreaking story of a girl whose mother earned money through abortions, highlighting the lack of blessing that comes from such wealth. The speaker then discusses the condition of the heart when receiving the word of God, cautioning against being like those who receive it with gladness but have no root and are easily offended when faced with affliction or persecution. He also addresses the issue of shallow and insincere prayer, urging believers to engage in secret prayer led by the Holy Spirit.
February 7. 1678. Weights and Measures.
By Jane Lead0LEV 19:36PRO 11:1EZK 45:10MAT 5:48ROM 12:2Jane Lead preaches about the importance of weighing ourselves with the Golden Weight or Shekel of the Sanctuary, emphasizing that anything short of that divine standard will be unacceptable to the just One who holds the Balance of Perfection. She urges believers to daily add 'Golden Grains' to achieve an equal proportion to the Golden Shekel, symbolizing the weight of our spirits. By aligning ourselves with this divine rule, we bear the inscription of Jesus and His power, becoming vessels for His presence and glory.
Wicked Men Useful in Their Destruction Only
By Jonathan Edwards0NUM 14:21PRO 11:1EZK 15:2MAT 3:10JHN 15:6ROM 11:22Jonathan Edwards preaches on the importance of bringing forth fruit to God, using the analogy of a vine tree to illustrate how unfruitful individuals are like barren trees that are ultimately useless unless they bear fruit. He emphasizes that man's highest end is to serve and glorify God, and if one fails to do so actively, they will be passively useful only in their destruction. Edwards urges listeners to examine themselves, strive to be actively useful by bringing forth fruit to God, and warns of the consequences of remaining unfruitful, highlighting that God will glorify Himself in the ruin of those who do not fulfill their purpose.
Do You Keep a Box Score on Yourself?
By Russell DeLong0PRO 11:1MAT 7:1LUK 6:41ROM 2:1JAS 4:12Russell DeLong preaches about the importance of not judging others and being aware of our own faults before criticizing others. He uses the analogy of keeping a box score in baseball to illustrate how we tend to magnify the faults of others while minimizing our own. DeLong emphasizes the need to focus on our own hits, runs, and errors, and to let God, the Official Scorer, keep track of the box scores. The sermon encourages self-reflection and honesty in evaluating our own actions before passing judgment on others.
Dishonesty in Small Matters Inconsistent With Honesty in Anything
By Charles Finney0IntegrityHonestyPRO 11:1PRO 20:23MAT 5:37LUK 16:10COL 3:23Charles Finney emphasizes that dishonesty in small matters reflects a lack of true integrity in all aspects of life, arguing that one who is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. He explains that real honesty stems from a heart governed by love for God and neighbor, and that those who appear honest in larger matters may be motivated by selfishness rather than true principle. Finney illustrates this principle through various examples, showing that small acts of dishonesty reveal the true state of a person's heart and character. He warns that neglecting integrity in minor dealings can lead to a broader moral decay, ultimately undermining one's witness for Christ. The sermon calls for a commitment to honesty in all things, big and small, to reflect genuine faith.
On Trading in Superfluities
By John Woolman0PRO 11:1MAT 6:19PHP 2:31TI 6:10John Woolman addresses the distress he feels due to the Society members engaging in impure business practices, particularly the trade of slaves to Africa. He highlights the decline in faithfulness among Friends, leading to the acceptance of superfluities in dress and possessions, causing a dimness of spiritual sight. Woolman urges Friends to dig deep, cast off worldly influences, and listen to the Divine Voice for guidance towards self-denial and simplicity in trade and lifestyle. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining humility and purity of principles to avoid the infiltration of worldly luxuries and uphold true brotherly love.
If There Are Artisans in the Monastery
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 11:1ACT 5:1PHP 2:3COL 3:231PE 4:11St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of humility and permission in practicing crafts in the monastery. He warns against becoming conceited over one's skills and the temptation to think one is benefiting the monastery. Craftsmen are reminded not to engage in fraud, with a reference to the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. St. Benedict encourages fair pricing without succumbing to greed, aiming to glorify God in all transactions.
The Danger of Deception
By Charles Finney0IntegrityHonestyJOB 2:10PRO 11:1MAT 5:37LUK 16:10COL 3:23Charles Finney warns against the danger of deception, emphasizing that dishonesty in small matters reflects a lack of true integrity and principle. He argues that if one is unjust in little things, it reveals a heart not governed by genuine honesty, as true love for God and neighbor would prevent such behavior. Finney illustrates this with examples, including the story of Job, and stresses that moral inconsistency leads to a false sense of righteousness. He calls for believers to cultivate integrity in all aspects of life, as even small acts of dishonesty can tarnish the witness of Christians. Ultimately, he urges that true honesty must be universal, affecting both great and small matters.
Surely Something Must Be Amiss With the Scales!
By C.H. Spurgeon0IntegritySelf-ExaminationLEV 19:36PRO 11:1MAT 7:2LUK 6:38ROM 12:32CO 4:17GAL 6:7PHP 4:19JAS 2:11PE 5:10C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of honesty in all aspects of life, particularly in business and moral judgments, urging Christians to examine their scales and balances. He points out that while we may accurately measure physical weights, we often distort our perceptions of our own and others' virtues, trials, and responsibilities. Spurgeon challenges believers to ensure that their evaluations of afflictions and obligations align with God's standards, warning against the dangers of unjust measures in spiritual matters. He calls for self-examination to root out any unfair scales that may exist in our lives, reminding us that true justice should prevail in our hearts. Ultimately, he encourages Christians to uphold integrity in all dealings, both earthly and spiritual.
Epistle 272
By George Fox0PRO 11:1George Fox preaches about the importance of maintaining righteousness, equity, truth, and holiness both inwardly and outwardly, to combat inequality, injustice, and false measures. He emphasizes the need to uphold justice and righteousness in all dealings, ensuring a true measure and balance in all aspects of life. By following these principles, individuals can preserve the favor of God and uphold the good and righteous nature within themselves and others, leading to a deeper understanding of God's works and His just ways.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The next three proverbs treat of honesty, discretion, and innocence or dove-like simplicity: 1 Deceitful balances are an abomination to Jahve; But a full weight is His delight. The very same proverb, with slightly varied expression, is found in Pro 20:23; and other such like proverbs, in condemnation of false and in approbation of true balances, are found, Pro 20:10; Pro 16:11; similar predicates, but connected with other subjects, are found at Pro 12:22; Pro 15:8. "An abomination to Jahve" is an expression we have already twice met with in the introduction, Pro 3:32; Pro 6:16, cf. Pro 8:7; תּועבה is, like תּועה, a participial noun, in which the active conception of abhorring is transferred to the action accomplished. רצון is in post-biblical Hebr. the designation of the arbitrium and the voluntas; but here רצונו signifies not that which God wishes, but that which He delights in having. "מרמה (here for the first time in Proverbs), from רמה, the Piel of which means (Pro 26:19) aliquem dolo et fraude petere. אבן, like the Pers. sanak, sanakh, Arab. ṣajat, a stone for weight; and finally, without any reference to its root signification, like Zac 5:8, אבן העופרת, a leaden weight, as when we say: a horseshoe of gold, a chess-man of ivory."
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:1 Here, honest practices are applied to the business world (see also 16:11; 20:10, 23; Lev 19:35-37; Deut 25:13-15; Ezek 45:10; Hos 12:7-8; Mic 6:11). • Scales were often made of two metal bowls suspended from a crossbar. The unit of currency, the shekel, comes from the verb meaning “to weigh” (see Amos 8:5-6).