Proverbs 20:10
False weights and unequal measures – the Lord detests double standards of every kind.
“Do as I say – not as I do” is an old saying used to point out the hypocrisy of other people…but I wonder how often we should be saying it while staring into the mirror? Double-standards are inherently sinful as they are dishonest and lack biblical integrity and character, which is why Solomon chose to use a strong word like “detests” to describes the Lord’s reaction to them.
The most obvious application of today’s verse is in a business and/or transactional context. For example, what is your annual job theft through personal phone calls, texts, emails, or tweets just 15 minutes a day, if your salary is $50,000 a year? $1,562! What about 30 minutes a day? $3,125! What if you add another 18 minutes for arriving late, getting coffee, paying bills, Internet surfing, extending lunch, and/or leaving early? Then you have stolen $5,000 or 10% of your wages. You are taking a $50,000 payment but only giving $45,000 back in value. You are using false weights and unequal measures.
A less obvious application is something that has become remarkably common in today’s highly politicized American context. Do you apply the exact same standards to the people on “your side of the aisle” as you do to your political opponents? When the other team’s President uses Executive Orders to their advantage, you call it an abuse of power…but when your President of choice does it he is a courageous hero doing what’s best for America. Or when your side passes massive spending bills it’s just a necessary evil but when the other side does the same thing…its reckless, immoral, and another deliberate step towards socialism. See my point?
The Lord is the author of Truth. He is the very manifestation of Truth. We must know His truth, practice His truth, and defend His truth. Anytime we apply a double standard we are violating the truth…it is a sin…and the Lord detests it. Whatever standard we apply to the world – or other people – we must be willing to apply to ourselves. Christians must be people who not only speak the Truth…but live it, as well.
