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Day 37 Proverbs 11:1 Proverbs 11:1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. Everyone loves a good sale when they need the item being and rush out to get it before it’s all gone. However, everyone also dislikes it when the store misled or offered false advertising for what they had on sale, finding when they got to the counter that the sale only pertained to certain sizes or models not mentioned in the ad. In the time of Solomon through Jesus’ day and the writing of the Bible, scales were used to determine the amount owed, whether it was tribute or goods bought and sold. If the seller were dishonest, they would add weight to the scale so the purchaser had to pay more for the item, or took away weights so they didn’t pay out as much as the item was truly worth. We see that practice a lot today in pawn shops when people bring in items, hoping to get a good deal on it so they have enough money to take care of personal needs. A person needs to go into a business such as that knowing the full value of the item he wants to sell so he isn’t cheated. It isn’t just pawn shops, but anywhere people barter for goods. A person needs to know the true value of what they are buying or selling. Solomon saw that practice a lot and knew such practices were not only an abomination in the eyes of God, but the people as well. He told the people God loved honesty and would bring justice to all those who practiced dishonesty in their business dealings. He also said God would delight in those who practiced honesty and fairness in their business dealings. As Christians, we are to be honest in everything we do, not withholding what is due or trying to cheat people out of their money. One of the things hated most by people in Jesus’ day was the tribute or taxes owed whenever they entered or left a village, city, or town. The Romans employed Israelites or publicans to collect the tribute making them more hated than any other person, even those they considered sinners or prostitutes. Luke 19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house. 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, for so much as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Mark 2:13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. 15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eats and drinks with publicans and sinners? 17 When Jesus heard it, he said unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. When you accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, your past is wiped clean, and all the wrongs you did are forgiven as Jesus forgave Zacchaeus and Levi, both publicans who changed their ways completely and followed Jesus from that day forward. Levi became one of the twelve apostles. You don’t need to wallow in your sin, cheating everyone you see, but you can change your ways and when you do, God delights in you and accepts you as his own. Let’s pray: Father, help me be honest in everything I do, knowing how much you delight in honesty and fair dealings. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 13 October 2016 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay