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: King James Version
" Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good. "
Proverbs 20:23
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save
23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
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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.
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From This Chapter
Proverbs 20:1
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."
Proverbs 20:2
"The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul."
Proverbs 20:3
"It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling."
Proverbs 20:4
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest,"
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
"Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?"
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