Proverbs 20:23

Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

20:23. A bargain made by fraud will prove a losing bargain in the end. 24. How can we form plans, and conduct business, independently of the Lord? 25. The evasions men often use with their own consciences show how false and deceitful man is. 26. Justice should crush the wicked, and separate them from the virtuous. 27. The rational soul and conscience are as a lamp within us, which should be used in examining our dispositions and motives with the revealed will of God. 28. Mercy and truth are the glories of God's throne. 29. Both young and old have their advantages; and let neither despise or envy the other.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

God's awarding to everyone according to his works, is the true check to the spirit of vindictiveness (compare Romans 12:17, Romans 12:19). Note that man is not told to wait on the Lord in expectation of seeing vengeance on his enemies, but "He shall save thee." The difference of the two hopes, in their effect upon the man's character, is incalculable.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

23. (Compare Pr 20:10; 11:1).

Matthew Poole's Commentary

Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; of which See Poole "Proverbs 20:10".

Is not good; is very wicked and hateful to God and men.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord,.... See Gill on Proverbs 20:10; which is here repeated for the further confirmation of it, and that it might be taken notice of and avoided; and perhaps this sin of using false weights and measures was common with the Jews;

and a false balance is not good; in the sight of God; but an abomination, as in Proverbs 11:1; nor is it good for men in the issue; for though they may gain by it at present, it will prove a loss to them in the end, since it will bring a curse on all they get.

Geneva Study Bible

Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

23. See Proverbs 20:10, note.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 23 - This is a repetition, with a slight variation, of ver. 10 and Proverbs 11:1 (where see notes). Is not good. A litotes, equivalent to "is very evil," answering to "abomination" in the first member. Septuagint, "is not good before him" (comp. Proverbs 24:23). Proverbs 20:23

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

23 An abomination to Jahve are two kinds of weights;

     And deceitful balances are not good.

A variant to Proverbs 20:10, Proverbs 11:1. The pred. לא־טוב (Proverbs 17:26; Proverbs 18:5; Proverbs 19:3) is conceived of as neut.; they are not good, much rather bad and pernicious, for the deceiver succeeds only in appearance; in reality he fails.