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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 20:23 Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/20-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/20_Pro_20_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 20:23 - Wine is a Mocker" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/20-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/20-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm" title="Proverbs 20:22">◄</a> Proverbs 20:23 <a href="/proverbs/20-24.htm" title="Proverbs 20:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The LORD detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Unequal weights are an abomination to the LORD, and false scales are not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Divers weights <i>are</i> an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance <i>is</i> not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Diverse weights <i>are</i> an abomination to the LORD, And dishonest scales <i>are</i> not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Differing weights are an abomination to the LORD, And a false scale is not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Differing weights are an abomination to the LORD, And a false scale is not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Differing weights are an abomination to the LORD, And a false scale is not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Differing weights are an abomination to Yahweh, And a deceitful balance is not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Differing weights are detestable <i>and</i> offensive to the LORD, And fraudulent scales are not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Differing weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are unfair.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Differing weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are unfair. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Diverse weights are an abomination to Jehovah; And a false balance is not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The LORD hates dishonest scales and dishonest weights. So don't cheat! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Divers weights are an abomination to the LORD; and a false balance is not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A double standard of weights is disgusting to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD hates people who use dishonest scales and weights. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD abhors differing weights, and dishonest scales are wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are no good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Divers weights are an abomination to the LORD; and a false balance is not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A stone and a stone [are] an abomination to YHWH, "" And balances of deceit [are] not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> An abomination to Jehovah are a stone and a stone, And balances of deceit are not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />An abomination of Jehovah stone and stone; and the balance of deceit is not good.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Diverse weights are an abomination before the Lord: a deceitful balance is not good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Diverse weights are an abomination with the Lord. A deceitful balance is not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Varying weights are an abomination to the LORD, and false scales are not good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Differing weights are an abomination to the LORD, and false scales are not good.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Diverse weights are an abomination in the presence of the LORD; and false scales are not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Discrepant weights are defiled before LORD JEHOVAH and deceitful scales are not good.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Divers weights are an abomination to the LORD; And a false balance is not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A double weight is an abomination to the Lord; and a deceitful balance is not good in his sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/20-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4089" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Wine is a Mocker</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’e·ḇen (N-fs) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">Unequal weights</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: wā·’ā·ḇen (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8441.htm" title="8441: tō·w·‘ă·ḇaṯ (N-fsc) -- Or tonebah; feminine active participle of ta'ab; properly, something disgusting, i.e. an abhorrence; especially idolatry or an idol.">are detestable</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">to the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4820.htm" title="4820: mir·māh (N-fs) -- Deceit, treachery. From ramah in the sense of deceiving; fraud.">and dishonest</a> <a href="/hebrew/3976.htm" title="3976: ū·mō·zə·nê (Conj-w:: N-mdc) -- Balances, scales. From 'azan; a pair of scales.">scales</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">are no</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">good.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-13.htm">Deuteronomy 25:13-16</a></span><br />You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light. / You shall not have two differing measures in your house, one large and one small. / You must maintain accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-35.htm">Leviticus 19:35-36</a></span><br />You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. / You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-1.htm">Proverbs 11:1</a></span><br />Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-11.htm">Proverbs 16:11</a></span><br />Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-10.htm">Micah 6:10-11</a></span><br />Can I forget any longer, O house of the wicked, the treasures of wickedness and the short ephah, which is accursed? / Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/8-5.htm">Amos 8:5</a></span><br />asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/12-7.htm">Hosea 12:7</a></span><br />A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/45-10.htm">Ezekiel 45:10</a></span><br />You must use honest scales, a just ephah, and a just bath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-6.htm">Job 31:6</a></span><br />let God weigh me with honest scales, that He may know my integrity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-22.htm">Isaiah 1:22-23</a></span><br />Your silver has become dross; your fine wine is diluted with water. / Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a></span><br />In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-31.htm">Luke 6:31</a></span><br />Do to others as you would have them do to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-6</a></span><br />Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8-9</a></span><br />If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. / But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Divers weights are an abomination to the LORD; and a false balance is not good.</p><p class="hdg">weights</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-10.htm">Proverbs 20:10</a></b></br> Divers weights, <i>and</i> divers measures, both of them <i>are</i> alike abomination to the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/45-10.htm">Ezekiel 45:10</a></b></br> Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath.</p><p class="hdg">a false balance</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/12-7.htm">Hosea 12:7</a></b></br> <i>He is</i> a merchant, the balances of deceit <i>are</i> in his hand: he loveth to oppress.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/8-5.htm">Amos 8:5</a></b></br> Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/20-10.htm">Abomination</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-11.htm">Balance</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-11.htm">Balances</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-10.htm">Detests</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-10.htm">Differing</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-10.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Dishonest</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-10.htm">Divers</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-10.htm">Diverse</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-7.htm">Please</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/psalms/18-29.htm">Scale</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-11.htm">Scales</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-10.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-10.htm">Unequal</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-10.htm">Weights</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm">Abomination</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">Balance</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-10.htm">Balances</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-27.htm">Detests</a> <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Differing</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-27.htm">Dishonest</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Divers</a> <a href="/daniel/7-3.htm">Diverse</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">Good</a> <a href="/songs/2-7.htm">Please</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-6.htm">Scale</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Scales</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Unequal</a> <a href="/micah/6-11.htm">Weights</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Proper Living</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/20.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Unequal weights</b><br />The phrase "unequal weights" refers to the practice of using different standards of measurement to deceive or defraud. In ancient times, weights were used in trade to measure goods, and having unequal weights meant that one could cheat others by using a heavier or lighter weight than what was agreed upon. The Hebrew word for "unequal" here is "אֶבֶן" (even), which means stone or weight. This practice is condemned throughout the Bible as it represents dishonesty and injustice. The use of unequal weights is a metaphor for any form of deceit or unfairness in dealings with others, highlighting the importance of integrity and fairness in all aspects of life.<p><b>are detestable to the LORD</b><br />The word "detestable" in Hebrew is "תּוֹעֵבָה" (to'evah), which means something that is abominable or loathsome. This strong language indicates that God has a profound aversion to dishonesty and injustice. The LORD, as the ultimate standard of righteousness, cannot tolerate practices that undermine justice and equity. This phrase underscores the moral character of God, who desires truth and fairness among His people. It serves as a reminder that our actions are not just social or economic transactions but are seen and judged by God Himself.<p><b>and dishonest scales</b><br />"Dishonest scales" refers to the tools used in trade that are manipulated to cheat others. The Hebrew word for "dishonest" is "מִרְמָה" (mirmah), which means deceit or fraud. Scales were essential in ancient commerce, and their integrity was crucial for fair trade. Dishonest scales symbolize any form of corruption or deceit in business practices. This phrase calls believers to examine their own practices and ensure that they are characterized by honesty and integrity, reflecting the character of God in their dealings.<p><b>are no good</b><br />The phrase "are no good" translates the Hebrew "לֹא טוֹב" (lo tov), which means not good or unacceptable. This simple yet profound statement emphasizes that dishonest practices are inherently wrong and have no place in the life of a believer. It is a call to reject any form of deceit and to pursue righteousness in all areas of life. This phrase serves as a moral compass, guiding believers to align their actions with God's standards and to seek His approval above all else.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23</span> - This is a repetition, with a slight variation, of ver. 10 and <a href="/proverbs/11-1.htm">Proverbs 11:1</a> (where see notes). <span class="cmt_word">Is not good.</span> A <span class="accented">litotes</span>, equivalent to "is very evil," answering to "abomination" in the first member. Septuagint, "is not good before him" (comp. <a href="/proverbs/24-23.htm">Proverbs 24:23</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/20-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Unequal weights</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֣בֶן</span> <span class="translit">(’e·ḇen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stone</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are detestable</span><br /><span class="heb">תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(tō·w·‘ă·ḇaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8441.htm">Strong's 8441: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְ֭הוָה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and dishonest</span><br /><span class="heb">מִרְמָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(mir·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4820.htm">Strong's 4820: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deceit, treachery</span><br /><br /><span class="word">scales</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמֹאזְנֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mō·zə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - mdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3976.htm">Strong's 3976: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pair of scales</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are no</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good.</span><br /><span class="heb">טֽוֹב׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/20-23.htm">Proverbs 20:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20-23.htm">Proverbs 20:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/20-23.htm">Proverbs 20:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20-23.htm">Proverbs 20:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20-23.htm">Proverbs 20:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/20-23.htm">Proverbs 20:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/20-23.htm">Proverbs 20:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/20-23.htm">Proverbs 20:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/20-23.htm">Proverbs 20:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/20-23.htm">Proverbs 20:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/20-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:23 Yahweh detests differing weights and dishonest scales (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 20:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/20-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 20:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>