Proverbs 11:1
Proverbs 11:1 in Multiple Translations
Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah; But a just weight is his delight.
Scales of deceit are hated by the Lord, but a true weight is his delight.
The Lord hates dishonest scales, but accurate weights please him.
False balances are an abomination vnto the Lord: but a perfite weight pleaseth him.
Balances of deceit [are] an abomination to Jehovah, And a perfect weight [is] His delight.
A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but accurate weights are his delight.
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
A deceitful balance is an abomination before the Lord: and a just weight is his will.
Yahweh detests people who use scales that do not weigh correctly; he is delighted with those who use correct weights on the scales.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 11:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֹאזְנֵ֣י
מִ֭רְמָה
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
יְהוָ֑ה
וְ/אֶ֖בֶן
שְׁלֵמָ֣ה
רְצוֹנֽ/וֹ
מֹאזְנֵ֣י
môʼzên
H3976
balance
N-md
מִ֭רְמָה
mirmâh
H4820
deceit
N-fs
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
N-fs
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/אֶ֖בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
Conj | N-fs
שְׁלֵמָ֣ה
shâlêm
H8003
complete
Adj
רְצוֹנֽ/וֹ
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:1
מֹאזְנֵ֣י
môʼzên
H3976
"balance"
N-md
In the Bible, this word means a pair of scales used for weighing, like the ones in the book of Leviticus. It symbolizes fairness and justice. The prophet Daniel also used scales in his visions.
Definition: scales, balances Aramaic equivalent: mo.zen (מֹאזֵנְיָא "scale" H3977)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: balances. See also: Leviticus 19:36; Isaiah 40:12; Psalms 62:10.
מִ֭רְמָה
mirmâh
H4820
"deceit"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/אֶ֖בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
Conj | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
שְׁלֵמָ֣ה
shâlêm
H8003
"complete"
Adj
Complete means being whole, safe, and at peace, like the covenant relationship between God and his people. It's used to describe something or someone that is perfect and unharmed. The Bible uses this word to talk about keeping promises and being faithful.
Definition: 1) complete, safe, peaceful, perfect, whole, full, at peace 1a) complete 1a1) full, perfect 1a2) finished 1b) safe, unharmed 1c) peace (of covenant of peace, mind) 1c1) perfect, complete (of keeping covenant relation)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: full, just, made ready, peaceable, perfect(-ed), quiet, Shalem (by mistake for a name), whole. See also: Genesis 15:16; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Proverbs 11:1.
רְצוֹנֽ/וֹ
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:1
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:1
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:1
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:1
Context — Dishonest Scales
1Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.
2When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. 3The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 25:13–16 | You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light. You shall not have two differing measures in your house, one large and one small. You must maintain accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. For everyone who behaves dishonestly in regard to these things is detestable to the LORD your God. |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:11 | Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern. |
| 3 | Proverbs 20:23 | Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good. |
| 4 | Leviticus 19:35–36 | You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. |
| 5 | Proverbs 20:10 | Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 45:10–12 | You must use honest scales, a just ephah, and a just bath. The ephah and the bath shall be the same quantity so that the bath will contain a tenth of a homer, and the ephah a tenth of a homer; the homer will be the standard measure for both. The shekel will consist of twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels will equal one mina. |
| 7 | 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. Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!” |
| 8 | Hosea 12:7 | A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands. |
| 9 | 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? Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights? |
Proverbs 11:1 Summary
This verse teaches us that God hates it when we cheat or are dishonest, especially in business, because it shows we don't care about being fair or truthful. On the other hand, when we are honest and fair, it makes God happy, because it shows we value integrity and trustworthiness, just like He does (Psalm 37:37, Matthew 5:37). We can apply this to our everyday lives by being truthful and fair in all our interactions, whether at work, at home, or with our friends. By doing so, we reflect the character of God and bring joy to His heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for dishonest scales to be an abomination to the LORD?
In Proverbs 11:1, the LORD is displeased with dishonest business practices, as they reflect a lack of integrity and fairness, which is also emphasized in Deuteronomy 25:13-16 and Micah 6:10-11.
Why is an accurate weight considered the LORD's delight?
The use of accurate weights is a demonstration of honesty and fairness, reflecting the character of God, who is just and righteous, as seen in Psalm 89:14 and Isaiah 30:18.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse encourages us to conduct our affairs with integrity, whether in business or personal relationships, as we are called to be honest and trustworthy, just as the LORD is, as taught in Proverbs 10:9 and Matthew 5:37.
What are the consequences of using dishonest scales?
While Proverbs 11:1 does not explicitly state the consequences, other verses like Proverbs 10:2 and Hosea 12:7 suggest that dishonest business practices can lead to financial loss, damage to one's reputation, and ultimately, spiritual consequences.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life might I be using 'dishonest scales', and how can I adjust my behavior to reflect the LORD's delight in accuracy and fairness?
- How can I demonstrate integrity in my daily interactions, whether at work, at home, or in my community?
- What are some practical ways I can ensure I am using 'accurate weights' in my relationships and business dealings?
- How does the concept of honesty and fairness in Proverbs 11:1 relate to the commandment to 'love my neighbor as myself' in Leviticus 19:18 and Mark 12:31?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:1
A false balance [is] abomination to the Lord,.... Under which are included all false weights and measures, and all fraudulent practices in commerce and dealing; which are forbidden by the Lord, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:1
CHAPTER 11 A false balance, the use of all false weights and measures in commerce, is abomination, i.e. highly abominable, as the abstract signifies; which is opposed to the false opinion of men, who account it a fineness of wit, or, at worst, but a trivial fault. To the Lord; partly because this wickedness is acted under a colour of justice; and partly because it is destructive to human society, and especially to the poor, whose patron the Lord owneth himself to be.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:1
Proverbs 11:1 A false balance [is] abomination to the LORD: but a just weight [is] his delight.Ver. 1. A false balance is abomination.] This kind of fraud falls heaviest upon the poor, who are fain to fetch in everything by the penny. Hither may be referred corruptions in courts, and partialities in church businesses. See that tremendous "charge" to do nothing by partiality, or by tilting the balance. Those that have the "balances of deceit in their hand" are called Canaanites, so the Hebrew hath it - that is, mere natural men, that have no goodness in them, no, not common honesty; they do not as they would be: done by, which very heathens condemned.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:1
XI. (1) A false balance is abomination to the Lord.—A similar proverb is found in Proverbs 20:23, and praise of just weights, Proverbs 16:11; Proverbs 20:10. The repetition suggests that this form of cheating had become common in the time of Solomon, when the commerce of Israel began to develop. If so, there would be good reason for these frequent warnings, for it would have been useless to raise the superstructure of a religious life, as is the intention of this book, without first laying the foundation of common honesty between man and man. A just weight.—Literally, stone, stones having been used for weights from early times. (Comp. Leviticus 19:36.) A standard weight, “the king’s stone,” seems to have been kept by David (2 Samuel 14:26).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:1
CHAPTER XI A parallel of the advantages of the righteous and wise, opposed to the miseries of the wicked and the foolish. True and false riches. NOTES ON CHAP. XI Verse 1. A false balance is abomination] This refers to the balance itself deceitfully constructed, so that it is sooner turned at one end than at the other. This is occasioned by one end of the beam being longer than the other. But a just weight] אבן שלמה eben shelemah, the perfect stone probably because weights were first made of stone; see the law, Deuteronomy 25:13-16.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:1
1. a just weight] Lit. a full, or perfect stone, from the early use of stones as weights. So Eng. stone; Germ, stein. It is an enactment of the Mosaic Law here repeated and enforced: Deuteronomy 25:13; Deuteronomy 25:16; Leviticus 19:35-36. Comp. Proverbs 16:11; Proverbs 20:10; Proverbs 20:23. See Introd. p. 13.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:1
This emphatic reproduction of the old rule of Deu 25:13-14 is perhaps a trace of the danger of dishonesty incidental to the growing commerce of the Israelites.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:1
1. A false balance — Balances of deceit; that is, any arrangement by which other than the exact weight is given or taken in buying and selling.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2006 Conference) 12. the Balance of Truth-3 (Bible Study) by Zac Poonen | This 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 b |
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(Through the Bible) Proverbs 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In 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 |
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Jesus Is the Light of the World - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This 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 listen |
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A Spiritual Life by Joshua Daniel | In 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 mo |
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Dishonesty in Small Matters Inconsistent With Honesty in Anything by Charles Finney | Charles 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 m |
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February 7. 1678. Weights and Measures. by Jane Lead | Jane 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 una |
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Surely Something Must Be Amiss With the Scales! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.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 p |