Proverbs 11:1 Meaning and Explanation
“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God detests dishonest business practices and delights in fair dealing.
The Context of Proverbs 11:1
Opening of Proverbs 11, beginning a series on character and consequences.
What Does Proverbs 11:1 Mean?
In ancient commerce, merchants used scales and weights to measure goods. Using false weights to cheat customers was a common form of fraud that enriched the dishonest while impoverishing the vulnerable.
The verse declares that such deception is an 'abomination' to the Lord, a word expressing divine displeasure. By contrast, justice and honesty in transactions bring divine approval, making fair dealing a spiritual matter, not merely a commercial one.
Proverbs 11:1 in the Original Language
moznei (מוֹזְנֵי), 'balances/scales' — instruments of commerce that reflect moral integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 11:1
What does Proverbs 11:1 mean?
God detests dishonest business practices and delights in fair dealing.
What is the context of Proverbs 11:1?
Opening of Proverbs 11, beginning a series on character and consequences.