Proverbs 20:23 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 20:23 mean?

Proverbs 20:23 warns that using dishonest measures—like unfair weights or scales—is deeply offensive to the LORD and is simply not right. The verse makes clear that cheating others in business or trade is not just a bad practice, but something God strongly rejects.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to King Solomon, directed toward anyone seeking to live rightly. In ancient marketplaces, merchants sometimes used tampered weights or scales to cheat buyers or sellers. The verse uses this everyday example to highlight how seriously God views honesty and fairness, especially in daily dealings with others.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 20:23

• "weights" (אֶבֶן, ’even): This word literally means "stone," since stones were often used as weights on scales. The use of "divers weights" refers to having different stones for buying and selling, a trick to cheat people.
• "abomination" (תּוֹעֵבָה, to‘evah): This word means something detestable or utterly repulsive. Calling dishonest weights an "abomination" shows that God sees this as more than a minor wrongdoing—it is morally disgusting to Him.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that it is not just a general principle, but something the God of Israel personally cares about.
• "false" (מִרְמָה, mirmah): This word means deceit or fraud. A "false balance" is not just inaccurate, but deliberately deceptive.
• "balance" (מֹאזְנַיִם, moznayim): This refers to a set of scales, a common tool in ancient trade. The focus is on the fairness and accuracy of everyday transactions.
• "good" (טוֹב, tov): This word means good, pleasing, or right. The verse says a false balance is "not good," meaning it is wrong and unacceptable.

Why Proverbs 20:23 matters

• Proverbs 20:23 clarifies that God’s concern for honesty is not limited to religious rituals but extends into everyday business and practical life.
• The verse emphasizes that cheating, even in small or hidden ways, is not overlooked by God; He cares about the integrity of all our actions.
• This proverb connects to a larger biblical theme: justice and fairness are central to living wisely and pleasing God, not just private beliefs or worship.