Bible Society of South Africa

Often we hear about people who charge for services they haven’t delivered or goods they have not supplied. In Biblical times, scales, weights and measures were important components in determining the price of goods. That is what prompted the demand for honest weights and honest trading.

"Don’t try to cheat people by having two sets of weights or measures, one to get more when you are buying, and the other to give less when you are selling. If you weigh and measure things honestly, the Lord your God will let you enjoy a long life in the land he is giving you. But the Lord is disgusted with anyone who cheats or is dishonest." Deuteronomy 25:13-16

"The Lord hates anyone who cheats, but he likes everyone who is honest." Proverbs 11:1

"Meanness gets you nowhere, but goodness is rewarded. Always do the right thing, and you will live; keep on doing wrong, and you will die." Proverbs 11:18-19

"Use honest scales and don’t cheat when you weigh or measure anything. I am the Lord your God. I rescued you from Egypt, and I command you to obey my laws." Leviticus 19:35-37

"You people crush those in need and wipe out the poor. You say to yourselves, “How much longer before the end of the New Moon Festival? When will the Sabbath be over? Our wheat is ready, and we want to sell it now. We can’t wait to cheat and charge high prices for the grain we sell. We will use dishonest scales and mix dust in the grain. Those who are needy and poor don’t have any money. We will make them our slaves for the price of a pair of sandals.’’ I, the Lord, won’t forget any of this, though you take great pride in your ancestor Jacob." Amos 8:4-7

Back in the eighth century BC, the prophet Micah made it clear to the Jewish community who was full of injustice and violence, that if they do not lead good and righteous lives, God would punish them. This also applies to us today and definitely in our workplaces as well.

"I am the Lord, and it makes sense to respect my power to punish. So listen to my message for the city of Jerusalem: You store up stolen treasures and use dishonest scales. But I, the Lord, will punish you for cheating with weights and with measures. You rich people are violent, and everyone tells lies. Because of your sins, I will wound you and leave you ruined and defenceless. You will eat, but still be hungry; you will store up goods, but lose everything – I, the Lord, will let it all be captured in war."  Micah 6:9-14

Prayer: Lord, help us to serve you with honesty. Grant us wisdom and grace to live a good and righteous life to your glory. Amen.