Unequal weights and measures—both are an abomination to ADONAI [the LORD]. Proverbs 20:10, TLV

Don’t Blink! This is Valuable!     Here’s another Blink* Proverb. You might be thinking, “Who cares about unequal weights and measures?”

GOD does. Proof? He includes it three times in Proverbs — twice in this chapter (Proverbs 16:11; 20:10, 23). He includes it four times in Israel’s core values, the Torah (Leviticus 19:35, 36; 26:26; Deuteronomy 25:13, 15).

In fact, He gives us a valuable incentive to practice it:

“You must have a full and honest weight and a full and honest measure, so that your days may be long on the land that ADONAI your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 25:15, TLV

So, we see it’s important to Him, and here’s why. Messing with His weights and measurements is messing with His values. It’s not just cheating each other out of a few coins or dollars. It’s trying to alter how He set up His system of values — and that is dangerous.

Anytime we try to change His value system there will be repercussions.

Manufacturers

Even car manufacturers tell us that. Our vehicles have maintenance schedules — a system devised by the manufacturers to give our cars longevity and efficiency. Following these schedules can save us hundreds to thousands of dollars on repairs.

A lot of folks who don’t trust the manufacturers, don’t trust their system. But the statistics don’t lie. When we ignore these recommendations, or worse, attempt to alter the core engines to avoid taking care of them, it will cause problems. The vehicle might be able to limp along for a while, but eventually we may find ourselves on the side of the road with problems much more serious than we can afford. We may have saved a few dollars initially, but where is the value in that when the real problems arise?

Value System

Isn’t the value of GOD’s system more important? Speaking up for GOD’s values means understanding them within the context of His word. And we’re only going to know that by engaging and living it.

How we speak is as critical as what we speak. When we speak it is as important as how we speak.

Wisdom and truth must go hand in hand to be effective. Just because we know the truth doesn’t mean we live it.

Being Prepared

Begin by praying to be prepared before praying for opportunities. Then, live the word, and encourage others to. If we’re truly living God’s word, people will notice a difference in us. Our life should be a testimony of why God’s system works — even when things go wrong. Especially when things go wrong.

When people ask us why we’re different, always point them to God’s word — not to us and how we’re successful. That’s the wrong weight and measurement. I think one of the greatest disservices we can do to someone is to tell them how great it is to be a follower of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. How asking Jesus into our heart means our life will be wonderful.

What is wonderful is that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and wants to be part of our life, every day. Then, be there to help them learn how to live and engage in the Bible so they can hear from their Dad themselves. That’s a full and honest measurement.

If more folks engage and live the Bible, God’s values would be clear. And that’s a good thing.

Think More About It

What do God’s weights and measurements mean to you? How do you practically apply them?

Until tomorrow, may we live God’s values as we engage in His word, my friends.

You would frustrate the plan of the lowly.
Surely ADONAI is his refuge!
O may He give Israel’s salvation out of Zion!
When ADONAI restores His captive people,
Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad! Psalm14:6-7, TLV

*Sigh* Let’s just meditate on these verses. Meditate and present them to our Heavenly Father. Yes? Chag Semeach and God bless!

*A “blink” verse or passage are Bible verses that we tend to blink past. Either not really reading or because it’s confusing we ignore it and more on. Thanks to Dr. Raleigh Washington (co-creator of Promise Keepers and Road to Jerusalem) for coining this term.