Proverbs 16:11

11 1A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work.

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 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
10 An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.
11 A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.

Cross References 1

  • 1. See Proverbs 11:1
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.