STUDY 245

Proverbs 20

THE THINGS THAT ARE AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD

It is wise to make a list of things that are "an abomination to the Lord" as we read the Book of Proverbs. (Keep this for your file). We have one more stated here.

"Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD,
And dishonest scales are not good" Proverbs 20:23

1. Back in old days

It is interesting to talk to children about "the old days." History is always good for the building of bonds between parents and children.

2. Weights and scales

In the modern day supermarket, all weighing machines are digitalized. In the old days, weight and scales were used.

a) It was easy to cheat customers

Dishonest merchants could cheat their customers easily

b) The uneducated were the most pitiable victims

Merchants could make use of different weights to cheat their unsuspecting customers. Often the very poor suffer terribly.

c) Diverse weight and dishonest scales

These were all too common. Through means like that, merchants grew wealthy, but at the expense of the poor victims

INCURRING THE DISPLEASURE OF THE LORD

The merchants may laugh up their sleeves that they have gotten away with their misdeeds. However, the warning had to be given forthrightly. Such practices were an abomination to the Lord!

REMINDERS OF THE LORD'S WORD CONCERNING SUCH DEEDS

Let us recall what the Scriptures teach concerning such ill-gotten gains.

"Treasures of wickedness profit nothing" Proverbs 10:2a

"The name of the wicked shall rot" Proverbs 10:7

The wages of the wicked to sin (more and more) Proverbs 10:16

Prayerfully,

Pastor Charlie

First released 5th March 2006 © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore