Proverbs 11:1-2 (ESV)
1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom.
The balance is a measuring device with two plates, one on each side, for comparison. A fixed amount of weight is put in one plate, and an item in the other. In this way, fair amounts of a traded good can be determined. Merchants carried weights of standard measure, and their accuracy was assumed. The dishonest trader used a non-standard weight that was too light when selling and one that was too heavy when buying. That way, he could sell less than what was agreed to and buy more than his share for the price. In God’s eyes, dishonest people not only steal from the community, but him as well. At the same time, the Lord will humble the one who has an inflated view of self, and wisdom generates a realistic outlook on personal skills, talents, and abilities. Be completely honest in all of your transactions today, even at cost to yourself. Ripping one another off is repulsive to God.