The LORD hates false scales, but he loves accurate weights.
There is an allegory of a construction professional who built many beautiful houses for a businessman in his area. When the builder was old and heading to retirement, the same man commissioned him to build another beautiful house, and said, “I will give you the budget.” Since the businessman had provided no retirement fund, the builder bought cheaper material and kept some of the money. Paul says, “But the work that each person does will be clearly seen, because the Day will make it plain. That Day will appear with fire, and the fire will test everyone’s work,” (1 Corinthians 3:13). The builder kept fifty percent for his retirement, seizing the moment to take what did not belong to him, thinking to secure his future. When he finished the house, the businessman gave him the keys and said, “This is your house. I just wanted to thank you for building my offices and houses beautifully and faithfully!”
Although the builder began his career well, following business and social ethics, and his work was reputable, toward the end he failed to uphold the high standard. Beloved, God’s nature in us can be defiled by wrong choices, and we betray the truth embedded in us to walk in faithfulness and the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). As we mature, we are to master life choices aligned with God’s will.
The verse of the day tells us that God detests the use of false scales. The man built with cheap materials, but produced receipts that matched the full budget received for the building. He did not know the house would be his own, but now he fulfills the proverb, “You made the bed, now you can lie on it!”
God’s nature is also embedded in all humanity, though sin corrupted the good nature of God in us. The word “hate” is a strong word; God has a strong displeasure for dishonest business dealings and lack of stewardship in our daily living. God looks favorably on the honest people in their calling and profession.
As the day of Jesus’ return draws near, let us continue to stand on the truth and use “accurate weights”—this speaks of the transparency and integrity we ought to uphold in a society that is corrupted by its desires. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. He can clearly see all things. Everything is open before him. And to him we must explain the way we have lived.”
Beloved, God is still extending grace for repentance because dishonest business practices do not escape his eye. We shall all give an account to Him, let it be an account that Jesus paid it all, and I have given him all!
By Christopher Thetswe, Bible League International staff, South Africa
