Proverbs 16:11

11 Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

Proverbs 16:11 in Other Translations

KJV
11 A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work.
ESV
11 A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
NLT
11 The LORD demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness.
MSG
11 God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business.
CSB
11 Honest balances and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are His concern.

Proverbs 16:11 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:11

A just weight and balance [are] the Lord's
These are of his devising; what he has put into the heart, of men to contrive and make use of, for the benefit of mankind, for the keeping and maintaining truth and justice in commercial affairs; these are of his appointing, commanding, and approving, ( Leviticus 19:35 Leviticus 19:36 ) ; all the weights of the bag [are] his work;
or, "all the stones" F8; greater or smaller, which were formerly used in weighing, and were kept in a bag for that purpose; these are by the Lord's appointment and order. This may be applied to the Scriptures of truth, which are of God; are the balance of the sanctuary, in which every doctrine is to be weighed and tried; what agrees with them is to be received, and what is found wanting is to be rejected. The Targum is,

``his works, all of them, are weights of truth.''

FOOTNOTES:

F8 (ynba) "lapides", Montanus, Vatablus, Piscator, Mercerus, Michaelis.

Proverbs 16:11 In-Context

9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice.
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Proverbs 11:1; Ezekiel 45:10
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.