Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Honesty and Integrity

When it comes to business, I need to always be honest and true to my words. I should always see my approach as one that Jesus would love and be proud of. I remember that one day Jesus chased the businesspeople out of the temple (church) because of their dishonest approach. I need to be honest and transparent. May all I do in my business approach be honest.

A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh, but a just weight is his delight. [1]

~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:1)

What does it mean to have a false balance or a just weight? This is a question that many people have asked themselves when reading the wisdom of King Solomon in Proverbs 11:1

A false balance refers to a dishonest or unfair way of measuring or judging something. In ancient times, merchants used scales and weights to measure the value of goods and money. A false balance was a scale that was rigged or tampered with to give an inaccurate or favorable result for the seller or buyer. This was a common practice that cheated people out of their rightful possessions and profits.

A just weight, on the other hand, refers to a honest or fair way of measuring or judging something. A just weight was a scale that was accurate and reliable, giving a true and equitable result for both parties. This was a rare practice that honored people and their rightful possessions and profits.

Why is a false balance an abomination to Yahweh? Because Yahweh is a God of truth and justice, who hates lying and cheating. He expects his people to reflect his character and to deal with others with honesty and integrity. A false balance is an act of rebellion against Yahweh’s authority and standards, and it brings dishonor and shame to his name.

Why is a just weight his delight? Because Yahweh is a God of grace and mercy, who loves righteousness and kindness. He delights in his people when they reflect his character and deal with others with generosity and compassion. A just weight is an act of obedience to Yahweh’s authority and standards, and it brings glory and praise to his name.

How can we apply this verse in our lives? We can apply this verse by examining our own hearts and actions, and asking ourselves if we are using a false balance or a just weight in our relationships with God and others.

  • Are we honest or dishonest in our words and deeds?
  • Are we fair or unfair in our dealings and transactions?
  • Are we generous or greedy in our giving and receiving?
  • Are we compassionate or indifferent in our attitude and behavior?

We can also apply this verse by seeking God’s help and guidance, and asking him to transform our hearts and actions, so that we can use a just weight in all aspects of our lives. We can ask him to give us a spirit of truth and justice, so that we can be honest and fair in our words and deeds. We can ask him to give us a spirit of grace and mercy, so that we can be generous and compassionate in our giving and receiving. We can ask him to give us a spirit of glory and praise, so that we can honor him with our attitude and behavior.

A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh, but a just weight is his delight. This is a verse that challenges us to live according to God’s standards, not the world’s standards. It also encourages us to seek God’s grace, not our own strength. It reminds us that God cares about how we treat him and others, not just what we do for him and others. It teaches us that God values honesty, fairness, generosity, compassion, honor, glory, praise above all else.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Pr 11:1.