Proverbs 11:1

Modern

Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.

Traditional

A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.

Literal

Scales of deceit are an abomination to YHWH, and a whole stone is His delight.

Latin

Statera dolosa abominatio est apud Dominum, et pondus æquum voluntas ejus.

Hebrew

English

Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.

Here, honest practices are used in business (see also Proverbs 16:11; 20:10, 23; Leviticus 19:35–37; Deut 25:13–15; Ezekiel 45:10; Hosea 12:7–8; Micah 6:11).
Scales often had two metal bowls hanging from a crossbar. The currency unit, the shekel, comes from the verb meaning “to weigh” (see Amos 8:5–6).

Theme notes and profiles

Deuteronomy 25:13–16
You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light.
Proverbs 20:23
Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.
Proverbs 16:11
Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.
Leviticus 19:35–36
You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume.
Proverbs 20:10
Differing weights and unequal measures—both are detestable to the LORD.
Hosea 12:7
A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands.
Amos 8:5–6
…asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales.
Ezekiel 45:10–12
You must use honest scales, a just ephah, and a just bath.
Micah 6:10–11
Can I forget any longer, O house of the wicked, the treasures of wickedness and the short ephah, which is accursed?