Proverbs 16:11

Modern

Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.

Traditional

A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.

Literal

A balance and scales of justice are unto YHWH; all the stones of the bag are His work.

Latin

Pondus et statera judicia Domini sunt, et opera ejus omnes lapides sacculi.

Hebrew

English

Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.

This proverb's message appears four times in the collection (see Proverbs 11:1; 20:10, 23).

This series of sayings reflects on the king, who symbolizes God's power on Earth.

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 11:1
Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.
Proverbs 20:10
Differing weights and unequal measures—both are detestable to the LORD.
Proverbs 20:23
Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.
Ezekiel 45:10
You must use honest scales, a just ephah, and a just bath.
Leviticus 19:35–36
You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume.
Deuteronomy 25:13–15
You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light.
Hosea 12:7
A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands.
Amos 8:5
…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.
Micah 6:11
Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights?