Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 20:23 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing. "
Proverbs 20:23
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning won’t be blessed in the end.
22 Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for the LORD, and he will save you.
23 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing.
24 A man’s steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way?
25 It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows.
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Create Free AccountBible Guided Commentary
This verse repeats the same truth as Proverbs 20:10. It is repeated because God hates this sin in a special way, just as lying, which is of the same kind, is named twice among the seven things the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:17, Proverbs 6:19). It was likely common in Israel at that time, so people treated it lightly, as if there were no real harm in it, with the excuse that business could not be done without it.
The verse also says, “A false balance is not good,” to show that this sin is not only hateful to God, but also harmful to the sinner. There is really no profit in it. A deal made by fraud will end up costing more than it gains, so what seems like a good bargain becomes a losing one in the end.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 20:1
"Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise."
Proverbs 20:2
"The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life."
Proverbs 20:3
"It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling."
Proverbs 20:4
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing."
Proverbs 20:5
"Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out."
Proverbs 20:6
"Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?"
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