“Dishonest scales are detestable to the Lord, but an accurate weight is his delight.” (Proverbs 11:1, CSB)
At first, our proverb for today would seem to apply only to marketplace vendors of bulk goods. The scene would be someone walking up to a vendor asking for a pound of flour, which the vendor would weigh out. A dishonest vendor would use slightly lighter 1-pound weights for those he could take advantage of. We could think, unless we happen to be a bulk vendor, that this proverb doesn’t apply to us – but it does.
James wrote, “My brothers and sisters, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.” (James 2:1, CSB) He then gave an example of how some treat rich and poor differently when the church gathers. Showing favoritism is using dishonest scales.
Dealing with people is, of course, more complex than weighing out a pound of flour. There are many more variables to consider. Maturity, physical ability, mental acuity, and skill are rightfully considered. We don’t expect from an 8-year-old what we expect from an adult. So, how do we know if we are using dishonest scales when it comes to people?
Jesus gave us the answer. “Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them.” (Luke 6:31, CSB) Am I treating another the way I would want to be treated? Am I judging/discerning others the way I judge/discern myself? Am I giving them the same measure of grace that I give myself?
This can be wrapped up in one word – integrity. Another proverb says, “The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9, CSB) Using honest scales with ourselves and others requires integrity. To understand what that means lets look at what it isn’t.
There was one group that Jesus condemned. He had grace for sinners and the weak in faith. But had some harsh words for the Pharisees. One of those is the exact opposite of integrity. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of the bones of the dead and every kind of impurity.” (Matthew 23:27, CSB) The Pharisees did not walk with integrity. They cleaned up the outside but not their hearts. They treated others differently from how they treated themselves.
This calls for honest reflection and prayer. We are often unaware of how we use dishonest scales. We rationalize and justify our thoughts and actions towards others. They deserve it – even if they do deserve it, is that the way you’d treat yourself?
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