In biblical times, balances, or scales, were essential tools used in trade and commerce to measure goods accurately. The concept of just balances is deeply rooted in the moral and ethical teachings of the Bible, emphasizing honesty, integrity, and fairness in all dealings.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 19:35-36 : "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." This passage underscores the importance of honesty in measurements, linking it to the identity and commands of God Himself.

2. Proverbs 11:1 : "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." Here, the use of just balances is not merely a social or economic issue but a matter of spiritual significance. God delights in fairness and truth, and dishonest practices are detestable to Him.

3. Proverbs 16:11 : "Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern." This verse highlights that just balances are divinely ordained, and God is concerned with the integrity of all transactions.

4. Micah 6:11 : "Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights?" The prophet Micah speaks against the corruption and deceit prevalent in society, indicating that God will not overlook such injustices.

Theological Implications:

The biblical mandate for just balances reflects God's character as a God of justice and righteousness. The use of fair measures is a practical expression of living according to God's standards. It serves as a reminder that all actions, including business transactions, are subject to divine scrutiny.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

The call for just balances extends beyond the literal use of scales to encompass all forms of honesty and integrity in human interactions. It challenges individuals to conduct their affairs with transparency and fairness, reflecting the moral order established by God.

Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, the use of weights and measures was a common practice in marketplaces. The integrity of these measures was crucial for maintaining trust and equity in society. The biblical injunctions against dishonest scales were not only religious commands but also served to protect the community from exploitation and fraud.

Practical Application:

For believers, the principle of just balances serves as a guide for ethical behavior in all areas of life. Whether in business, personal relationships, or community involvement, the commitment to fairness and honesty is a testament to one's faith and obedience to God's will.

The biblical emphasis on just balances calls for a reflection on one's practices and attitudes, encouraging a life that honors God through integrity and justice.Leviticus 19:36
Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall you have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 16:11
A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work.
Nave's Topical Index

Weighed in the Balances
... But after all we must be weighed in God's balances, the balances of the ... It is so
short I am sure you will remember it: and that is my object, just to get ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/weighed in the balances.htm

What have I Done?
... wilt be found light weight"thou wilt be weighed in the balances and found ... had such
come to me, and I have told them, "I must treat you just the same as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/what have i done.htm

Eighth Commandment
... over that act he said: "That was not just right. ... Partial obedience is not enough:
obedience must be entire ... I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/eighth commandment.htm

Psalm LXII.
... in order that they may cheat by bringing forth deceitful balances. ... but Mars; and
God did not what is just, but Jupiter ... [2454] Now, as of him must be believed ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxii.htm

Light for those who Sit in Darkness
... commandments, and therefore am weighed in the balances and found ... time his righteousness:
that he might be just, and the ... But I hear you say, "I must surely do ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/light for those who sit.htm

The True Gold and Its Testing
... Now I must not be seduced into going beyond the ... contrast and pre-eminence; but I
would just notice in ... hearts above great possessions and large balances at the ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the true gold and its.htm

The Answer on the Way to Keep Control Over Abstinence.
... be just and the weights equal, the bushel just and the ... we have said, but also in
this must we strive not ... by the Lord because we have unfair balances and double ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxii the answer on.htm

The Justice of God
... The balances of deceit are in his hand.' Hosea 12:7. It is sad to ... If God be a just
God, he will take vengeance ... There must be a day for the execution of offenders ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 the justice of god.htm

Still Continues the Praise of "Wisdom. ...
... From the tiny insect that balances or disports itself with ... and against that spirit
the saint must ever watch ... Fear is a godly sentiment, a just emotion, in view ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter viii still continues the.htm

The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
... to which his Father hath ordained him, he must be with ... Just as little fear is there
for you and for me ... Christ in scales and his treasures in balances and then ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the joint heirs and their.htm

How should a Christian view fascism? | GotQuestions.org

What does selah mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Belshazzar? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus