A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

PROVERBS 11:1KJV
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Proverbs 11:1 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 11:1 mean?

Proverbs 11:1 says that using dishonest measures in business or trade is deeply offensive to God, while being honest and fair is something God truly values. The verse makes clear that God cares about everyday honesty, not just religious actions.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings, likely gathered by King Solomon, aimed at teaching practical wisdom to the people of Israel. The verse uses the image of scales and weights, which were common tools for buying and selling goods in the ancient world, to make a point about integrity in daily life.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 11:1

  • "false" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means "deception" or "lie." Here, it describes a balance that is intentionally dishonest, not just inaccurate by accident.
  • "balance" (מֹאזְנַיִם, moznayim): This refers to a set of scales used for weighing. In ancient markets, merchants could cheat by tampering with these.
  • "abomination" (תּוֹעֵבָה, toʿevah): This word means something detestable or utterly repugnant. The verse uses strong language to show how seriously God views dishonesty.
  • "just" (שָׁלֵם, shalem): This means "whole," "complete," or "perfect." A "just weight" is one that is accurate and fair, not tampered with.
  • "weight" (אֶבֶן, eben): Literally "stone," since stones were often used as weights. The idea is that the stone should be the correct weight, not lighter or heavier to cheat customers.
  • "delight" (רָצוֹן, ratson): This word means "pleasure" or "favor." God takes pleasure in honest dealings.

Why Proverbs 11:1 matters

  • Proverbs 11:1 shows that God cares about honesty in everyday business, not just in religious rituals or worship.
  • The verse uses strong language ("abomination") to emphasize that cheating others is not a minor issue but something God truly hates.
  • By pairing "false balance" with "just weight," the proverb highlights that integrity is not just about avoiding wrongdoing, but actively doing what is right and fair.

Where else these words appear

“balance” Hebrew H3976 · used in 15 verses

  • Leviticus 19:36 Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.
  • Proverbs 16:11 A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work.
  • Ezekiel 5:1 And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber's razor, and cause it to pass upon thine head and upon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and divide the hair.

“just” Hebrew H8003 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 15:16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
  • 1 Kings 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:16 Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.

“false” Hebrew H4820 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 27:35 And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.
  • Psalms 38:12 They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
  • Proverbs 20:23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

“delight” Hebrew H7522 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
  • Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.