Proverbs 16:11-13 (ESV)
11 A just balance and scales are the Lord’s;
all the weights in the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil,
for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king,
and he loves him who speaks what is right.
Balances and beams were used in the marketplace to weigh goods and monies, enabling fair transactions. Because God created our universe as an ordered system, he expects us to live consistently with physical and spiritual laws. When a ruler uses his authority for selfish gain, he opposes the Lord and will eventually fall. But the honest king strengthens his throne when he leans upon God’s wisdom. The Lord honors the upright king, and the king responds to upright subjects. The one who speaks the truth and doesn’t manipulate the facts is a joy to he king. All men value a truth teller. Yet honesty often comes with a price tag. The honest person may have to bring bad news, confess she did wrong, or risk being seen as ordinary. And yet it is a good thing to be honest. Pray that God would help you to be truthful today. Don’t let fear keep you from doing the right thing.