Proverbs 16:11
Proverbs 16:11 in Multiple Translations
Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.
A just weight and balance are the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.
A just balance and scales are Jehovah’s; All the weights of the bag are his work.
True measures and scales are the Lord's: all the weights of the bag are his work.
Accurate scales and balances are important to the Lord. He has determined all the weights in the bag.
A true weight and balance are of the Lord: all the weightes of the bagge are his worke.
A just beam and balances [are] Jehovah's, His work [are] all the stones of the bag.
Honest balances and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.
A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work.
Weight and balance are judgments of the Lord: and his work all the weights of the bag.
Yahweh wants us to use scales that are correct; the weights in his bag are correct, because he made them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:11
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 16:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פֶּ֤לֶס
וּ/מֹאזְנֵ֣י
מִ֭שְׁפָּט
לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה
מַ֝עֲשֵׂ֗/הוּ
כָּל
אַבְנֵי
כִֽיס
פֶּ֤לֶס
peleç
H6425
balance
N-ms
וּ/מֹאזְנֵ֣י
môʼzên
H3976
balance
Conj | N-md
מִ֭שְׁפָּט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
מַ֝עֲשֵׂ֗/הוּ
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-ms | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אַבְנֵי
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fp
כִֽיס
kîyç
H3599
purse
N-ms
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 16:11
פֶּ֤לֶס
peleç
H6425
"balance"
N-ms
This noun refers to a balance or scale, like the ones used to measure weight. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'scales' or 'weight'.
Definition: balance, scale
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: scales, weight. See also: Proverbs 16:11; Isaiah 40:12.
וּ/מֹאזְנֵ֣י
môʼzên
H3976
"balance"
Conj | 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.
מִ֭שְׁפָּט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | 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.
מַ֝עֲשֵׂ֗/הוּ
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אַבְנֵי
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fp
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.
כִֽיס
kîyç
H3599
"purse"
N-ms
A purse or bag was used to carry money or weights in ancient times. It was a container made of leather or cloth, used for storing valuables. In the Bible, it is mentioned in the books of Genesis and Zechariah.
Definition: 1) bag, purse 1a) for weights, money
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bag, cup, purse. See also: Deuteronomy 25:13; Proverbs 23:31; Proverbs 1:14.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:11
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:11
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:11
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:11
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
9A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.
11Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.
12Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness. 13Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 11:1 | Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight. |
| 2 | Proverbs 20:10 | Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD. |
| 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 | Deuteronomy 25:13–15 | 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. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 45:10 | You must use honest scales, a just ephah, and a just bath. |
| 7 | Hosea 12:7 | A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands. |
| 8 | Micah 6:11 | Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights? |
| 9 | 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. |
Proverbs 16:11 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 16:11, teaches us that honesty and fairness are important to God, and He wants us to reflect these values in our lives. Just like we use scales and balances to measure things accurately, God wants us to be truthful and just in all we do, as also taught in Proverbs 10:9. By being honest and fair, we show respect for God and for others, and we can trust Him to guide us in making good decisions, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'honest scales and balances are from the LORD'?
This means that God is the source of fairness and justice, and He expects us to reflect these values in our interactions with others, as seen in Proverbs 16:11 and supported by Micah 6:8, which says we are to 'do justice' and 'love kindness'.
Why are 'all the weights in the bag' the Lord's concern?
The 'weights in the bag' refer to the standards used to measure goods, and God's concern for them indicates His interest in every aspect of our lives, including our business dealings, as also emphasized in Deuteronomy 25:13-16, which prohibits dishonest weights and measures.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us that our integrity and honesty are important to God, and we should strive to reflect His character in all our interactions, whether personal or professional, as encouraged in Matthew 5:16, which says we should 'let our light shine before others'.
Is this verse only for business owners or merchants?
No, this verse applies to everyone, as we all have opportunities to demonstrate honesty and integrity in our daily lives, whether in our workplaces, communities, or personal relationships, as taught in Colossians 3:23-24, which instructs us to 'do our work heartily, as for the Lord'.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life can I demonstrate more honesty and integrity, reflecting God's character?
- How do I currently use my 'scales and balances' in my interactions with others, and are they aligned with God's values?
- What are some ways I can show respect for God's concern for fairness and justice in my daily decisions and actions?
- In what ways can I trust God to guide me in making fair and just decisions, as He determines my steps, according to Proverbs 16:9?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:11
A just weight and balance [are] the Lord's,.... These are of his devising; what he has put into the heart, of men to contrive and make use of, for the benefit of mankind, for the keeping and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:11
A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:11
Are the Lord’ s; are God’ s work, as it follows; made by his direction and appointment, so as no man can corrupt or alter them without violating God’ s rights and authority, and incurring his displeasure. The weights, Heb. the stones, which they then used as weights. See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:11
Proverbs 16:11 A just weight and balance [are] the LORD’ S: all the weights of the bag [are] his work. Ver. 11. A just weight and balance are the Lord’ s,] i.e., Are commanded and commended by him. All the weights of the bag are his work,] i.e., His ordinance, and therefore not to be violated. Yea, they are iudicia Domini, as the Vulgate here reads the former clause, God’ s judgments. "Let no man therefore go beyond or defraud his brother" in buying and selling, "for God is the avenger of all such." Surely his magistrates must not transgress in judgment, lest they prove but fures publici, as Cato called them; latrones cum privilegio as Columella, public thieves; "scabs," as the prophet Isaiah terms them, and lest their regiment without righteousness appear to be but robbery with authority. So neither must private persons cheat and deceive their brethren by false weights and measures, &c., lest they be looked upon as the botches of the commonwealth, and enemies to civil society. Gal., lib. xi. c. 18. Colum., lib. i.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:11
(11) A just weight and balance are the Lord’s.—See above on Proverbs 11:1.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:11
Verse 11. All the weights of the bag are his] Alluding, probably, to the standard weights laid up in a bag in the sanctuary, and to which all weights in common use in the land were to be referred, in order to ascertain whether they were just: but some think the allusion is to the weights carried about by merchants in their girdles, by which they weigh the money, silver and gold, that they take in exchange for their merchandise. As the Chinese take no coin but gold and silver by weight, they carry about with them a sort of small steelyard, by which they weigh those metals taken in exchange.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:11
11. weight and balance] Rather, balance (or, steelyard) and scales. See Proverbs 11:1, note.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:11
See Proverbs 11:1 note. People are not to think that trade lies outside the divine law. God has commanded there also all that belongs to truth and right.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:11
11. A just weight — Substantially the same as Proverbs 11:1, but varying in terms.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Epistle 103 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of staying within God's boundaries and fearing Him to receive divine wisdom, enabling believers to order their lives to glorify God and ref |
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(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 |