Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord,
and false scales are not good.-Proverbs 20:23 (ESV)
The Hebrew word “toaybah” for abomination is a strong word. It is used 116 other times (117 in total) in the Old Testament for all sorts of things the LORD finds detestable: idolatry in the temple (Ezekiel 8:6), unclean food (Deuteronomy 14:3), homosexual relations (Leviticus 18:22), etc.
Unequal Weights
Yet, as Proverbs 20:23 makes clear, “toaybah” abominations are not only sins like idolatry and sexual immorality. Most people don’t think of bad business practices as abominations, but that is exactly what we are told here. Why? The LORD is a God of honesty and integrity. He abhors anything that acts against human flourishing under His good rule. Unequal weights fit into that category perfectly. In business, we have an opportunity to reflect the glory of God by using honest scales and by treating our customers, suppliers, etc. as image bearers of the Most High God.
Worship in Business
What’s the point? Simply put: dishonesty in business is hated by God the same that any of the other abominations are. All of life belongs to God, and so all of life (without creating our own hierarchy) is to be lived under His lordship. The way the Israelites conducted their business and did their jobs was every bit as important to Him as what they did in the temple. That speaks volumes for our Monday-Saturday. Let us cease regarding Sunday as a special day simply because we gather with the saints for fellowship in His Name. The rest of the week is where either we put Him on display to the watching world or we don’t.
Greg is the President of OPEN USA. He used his education to work as a tentmaker in the Middle East for 8.5 years seeking to plant a church amongst a least-reached people group. Currently back in the USA with his wife and children, they aim to return to finish what the LORD used them to start.
To learn more about B4T, read Business for Transformation by Patrick Lai.