Proverbs 16:11

11 Honest balances and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag[a] are His concern.[b]

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 A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.
10 God's verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth should not err in judgment.
11 Honest balances and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are His concern.
12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are a king's delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Merchants kept the stones for their balance scales in a bag.
  • [b]. Pr 11:1; Lv 19:36; Ezk 45:10; Mc 6:11
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