In the OT, scales were used to determine the value of precious metals used in mercantile trade. Many of the traders utilized the unfair practice of varying the weights in order to gain advantage during trades. This was especially true of the tax collectors which the people despised. God set standards for His people that they act not as the world, but be honest and fair in all of their practices.
1. Be fair and honest in all business dealings.
Deut. 25:13-16 “Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small. Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small.”
2. Do not discriminate! Use the same standards for everyone.
“But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have:”
LESSON - As with all of God’s laws, there were consequences for disobedience.
1. A removal of God’s blessings.
“that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
2. God’s condemnation!
“For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
Materialism, covetousness, and pride are at the heart of these selfish behaviors. God is very much a proponent of good business. He blesses and prospers those who are willing to work hard and live in accordance with His word. But when we implement unfair business practices for the purpose of selfish gain, we can rest assured that we will experience consequences, as well as a removal of God’s blessings.
~Mike