Proverbs 20:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Using dishonest weights and scales in business violates God's justice and is deeply offensive to Him.
The Context of Proverbs 20:23
Proverbs emphasizes that God's justice extends to all human dealings, including commerce.
What Does Proverbs 20:23 Mean?
Different weights used for buying versus selling constitute systematic fraud. A false balance—a scale intentionally miscalibrated—cheats customers consistently. These practices were common in ancient markets where buyers and sellers relied on merchant-provided weights and measures.
Both are labeled as abominations to the Lord, signifying God's intense opposition to such dishonesty. The verse is emphatic: fraud does not just fail to be good; it provokes divine displeasure. God cares deeply about justice in ordinary commerce and views cheating not as a small matter but as deeply offensive.
Proverbs 20:23 in the Original Language
'Abomination' (תּוֹעֵבָה, toevah) — something repugnant and hateful to God; it expresses His absolute opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 20:23
What does Proverbs 20:23 mean?
Using dishonest weights and scales in business violates God's justice and is deeply offensive to Him.
What is the context of Proverbs 20:23?
Proverbs emphasizes that God's justice extends to all human dealings, including commerce.