The Bible Column - A False Balance is Not Good

“Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good.”
Proverbs 20:23
Cheating is a sin that is severely condemned in the Scriptures. So common is the practice of “snitching” a little here and a little there that the government maintains a large force of men and women to inspect the scales of merchants and shopkeepers to see that they conform to the requirements of the U.S. Department of Standard Weights and Measures.
Many a man would not think of robbing a bank or stealing a dollar outright, but will think nothing of being “sharper” in business and driving a hard bargain or being guilty of short weight or measure. Honesty is one of the surest tests of character.
The story is told of a grocer who, before a group of a woman’s friends said, “Mary, I don’t believe you are saved and I am going to ask these people to pray for your salvation. I am greatly burdened for you.” When, in shock, Mary asked why the grocer thought she was not saved, he replied, “If you were, you would not try to cheat me on the butter you sell me. For several weeks now I have detected that every pound of your butter is two ounces sort.” After brief thought Mary responded, “I think I know why that is. Several weeks ago I lost my pound weight and I began using a one-pound bag of sugar that I purchased from you!” Deep silence – and a red-faced grocer, followed!
Our dealings need to stand the test of inspection. Jesus said, “He that is unjust in that which is least is unjust also in much.” May the Lord be pleased to help us in matters of temptation to slight! At eternity’s judgement seat, we will be glad that we obeyed the Holy Spirit’s conviction.