A false balance is an abomination to the LORD,
but a just weight is His delight.

Proverbs 11:1

Did you know God cares about math? He does! He created all things math. Math is used in every aspect of our world and, in fact, in the Universe! So, when humans use math to cheat others God takes notice and calls it an abomination. In other words, cheating is disgustingly disgusting to God!

The context here is a Hebrew market place where sellers of fruit or nuts or wheat weighed their goods and sold or traded with their fellow Israelites. They might try and cheat their potential buyers in several ways. They might build their own scale or rig the scales or the weights so that the weight of the goods looked heavier than it actually was so a buyer would be spending more for less. I am sure there were many other ways to cheat in the marketplace and God calls each way of cheating an abomination. 

Cheating is deceitful. It is an ongoing lie and series of lies that is premeditated and it is not limited to the ancient Hebrew marketplace. In today’s world, scammers are classic modern-day cheaters that we all have to guard against constantly. Cheating is found in every aspect of our society; business, stores, education, sports, even playing card games and video games. The crazy thing about the current culture cheating, is that it is often applauded and encouraged with the caveat, “Just don’t get caught.” Like getting caught is the only sinful aspect of cheating. 

How many tips and advice are given on social media as being justified when in actuality, cheating is at the heart of the idea; “Take these three steps and you won’t get caught.” Not only that, those who have tried said tip and gotten away with it brag about their cheating prowess and are cheered on by other cheaters!

Proverbs 11:13

The wicked earn deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness gets a true reward.

Psalm 101:6-7

My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me. He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; he who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me.

The bottom line of all cheating is greed: for money, for power, for esteem, for love…for anything we think we don’t have enough.

Proverbs 11:6

The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the treacherous will be caught in their own greed.

Luke 12:15

The He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.