Proverbs 20:10 kjv

Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.

Proverbs 20:10 nkjv

Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD.

Proverbs 20:10 niv

Differing weights and differing measures? the LORD detests them both.

Proverbs 20:10 esv

Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the LORD.

Proverbs 20:10 nlt

False weights and unequal measures ?
the LORD detests double standards of every kind.

Proverbs 20 verses

Proverbs 20 10 Meaning

Proverbs 20:10 declares that deceptive practices in commerce, symbolized by "diverse weights and diverse measures," are deeply offensive to God. These practices involve using one set of weights or measures to defraud buyers and another to cheat sellers, thus gaining unjust profit. The phrase "an abomination to the Lord" signifies not merely dislike, but utter detestation, highlighting that such dishonesty goes against God's righteous character and holy standards.

Proverbs 20 10 Context

Proverbs 20:10 fits within a broader collection of wise sayings in the book of Proverbs, which offers practical instructions for righteous living rooted in the fear of the Lord. In the ancient Near East, commerce was often conducted in open markets where transactions involved physical weights and measures for various goods like grain, oil, and precious metals. Standardized weights were typically stones, and measures were often vessels of specific capacity (e.g., ephah). The absence of official regulatory bodies made it easy for unscrupulous merchants to maintain two sets: one heavier for buying and another lighter for selling (or larger measure for buying, smaller for selling) to ensure greater profit. This practice was widespread and a significant challenge to societal trust and fairness. The verse stands as a strong polemic against such prevailing cultural dishonesty, asserting that God's moral order demands justice and truthfulness in all transactions, distinguishing Israelite ethical practice from surrounding nations or ungodly internal practices.

Proverbs 20 10 Word analysis

• Diverse weights (אֶבֶן וָאָבֶן, 'even vā'āven): Literally "stone and stone." This refers to using two different weights for the same item or transaction – a heavier stone when purchasing (to get more product for the same weight measure of silver) and a lighter stone when selling (to give less product for the same weight measure of silver). It highlights inconsistent, dishonest standards.

• Diverse measures (אֵפָה וְאֵפָה, 'ephah wᵉ'ēphah): Literally "ephah and ephah." An ephah was a dry measure, typically for grain (approx. 2/3 of a bushel or 22 liters). This signifies the use of different-sized containers or systems for measuring volume – a larger measure when buying goods and a smaller one when selling, both disguised as the "standard" ephah. It indicates fraudulent volumetric dealings.

• Abomination (תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah): This strong Hebrew term denotes something detestable, disgusting, or morally repulsive, particularly in God's sight. It often refers to practices strictly forbidden by the Lord because they violate His holiness and justice, such as idolatry, certain sexual sins, or unjust deeds. It emphasizes God's active disapproval and revulsion towards deceit.

• The Lord (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal, covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent and unchanging nature. When an act is an "abomination to the Lord," it means it directly offends His character as the righteous, truthful, and just God who established ethical order in His creation and covenants.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Diverse weights and diverse measures": This phrase functions as a comprehensive summary of commercial fraud. It doesn't refer to simply having multiple types of weights or measures for different items, but rather the illicit use of different (or deceitful) versions of the same nominal weight/measure, used inconsistently and dishonestly to manipulate transactions for selfish gain. It encompasses all forms of financial trickery in the marketplace.
  • "both of them are an abomination to the Lord": This group highlights the severe divine judgment against such practices. The use of "both of them" emphasizes that every instance and type of commercial deceit falls under this condemnation. It is not just an ethical transgression, but a theological affront, a direct violation of God's holy character and His desire for fairness among His people.

Proverbs 20 10 Bonus section

The strong language "abomination to the Lord" connects this ethical command directly to God's holiness, placing commercial dishonesty on a par of divine disapproval with idolatry and other severe moral transgressions. This suggests that genuine worship of God necessitates uprightness in all areas of life, including financial dealings. The consistent emphasis across the Pentateuch, Proverbs, and prophetic books (e.g., Amos, Micah) on honest weights and measures demonstrates that this was a foundational pillar of righteous societal living expected from God's covenant people. The repeated warnings highlight that despite divine command, this was a persistent societal problem, underscoring humanity's innate tendency towards self-interest over justice, which necessitates God's explicit revelation of His standard.

Proverbs 20 10 Commentary

Proverbs 20:10 cuts to the heart of ethical conduct in the marketplace, declaring that dishonesty in trade is not merely bad business, but a grave sin against God. The ancient practice of manipulating weights and measures—using one to cheat a seller and another to defraud a buyer—symbolizes any form of deceitful transaction aimed at unjust personal gain. God, as the standard of perfect righteousness and truth, finds such deliberate exploitation utterly detestable because it perverts justice, violates trust, and inflicts harm upon the neighbor. It reveals a heart driven by greed rather than godliness, valuing fleeting profit over enduring integrity and reverence for divine law. This verse powerfully teaches that commercial dealings are not amoral; they fall under the scrutiny of God's holy standard.

Examples of practical application today might include: manipulating product information for sales, charging hidden fees, providing substandard goods while claiming quality, or falsely accounting for business transactions.