You must not use dishonest measures
The phrase "You must not use dishonest measures" is a direct command from God, emphasizing the importance of integrity and honesty in all dealings. The Hebrew word for "dishonest" is "עָוֶל" (avel), which conveys a sense of injustice or unrighteousness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, trade and commerce were integral to daily life, and dishonest measures were a common way to exploit others. This command reflects God's desire for His people to be set apart, embodying His justice and righteousness in their interactions. It underscores the principle that God's people are to reflect His character in all aspects of life, including business and trade.

of length, weight, or volume
The specific mention of "length, weight, or volume" highlights the various ways in which dishonesty could manifest in trade. The Hebrew terms for these measures are "מִדָּה" (middah) for length, "מִשְׁקָל" (mishqal) for weight, and "מְשׂוּרָה" (mesurah) for volume. These were standard units used in commerce, and the integrity of these measures was crucial for fair trade. Archaeological findings, such as standardized weights and measures from ancient Israel, reveal the importance of this command in maintaining societal trust and justice. This directive serves as a timeless principle, reminding believers that God values fairness and honesty, and that these virtues are foundational to a just society. It calls Christians to uphold integrity in all their dealings, reflecting God's truth and justice in a world often marked by deceit and exploitation.

1. Moses
The prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws to the Israelites, including the laws in Leviticus.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God to whom the laws were given, living in the wilderness at the time of receiving these instructions.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave the laws to Moses, including the instructions found in Leviticus.

4. Canaan
The Promised Land where the Israelites were headed, where they were to live out these laws as a testimony to surrounding nations.

5. God
The ultimate lawgiver, who desires justice and righteousness among His people.Integrity in Business
As followers of Christ, we are called to conduct our business dealings with honesty and integrity, reflecting God's character.

Justice and Fairness
God values justice and fairness, and we are to uphold these values in all areas of life, including commerce.

Witness to the World
By practicing honesty, we serve as a testimony to the world of God's righteousness and justice.

Trust in God's Provision
Trusting God means believing that He will provide for us without resorting to dishonest means.

Holiness in Everyday Life
Holiness is not just about religious rituals but extends to everyday actions, including how we treat others in business.(35) Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment.--It will be seen that the Lawgiver uses here exactly the same phrase with regard to meting out right measure which he used in connection with the administration of justice in Leviticus 19:15. He, therefore, who declares that a false measure is a legal measure is, according to this law, as much a corrupt judge, and defrauds the people by false judgment, as he who in the court of justice wilfully passes a wrong sentence. Owing to the fact that men who would otherwise disdain the idea of imposition often discard their scruples in the matter of weights and measures, the Bible frequently brands these dealings as wicked, and an abomination to the Lord, whilst it designates the right measure as coming from God himself (Deuteronomy 25:13; Deuteronomy 25:15; Ezekiel 45:10; Ezekiel 45:12; Hosea 12:8; Amos 8:5; Micah 6:10-11; Proverbs 11:1; Proverbs 16:11; Proverbs 20:10; Proverbs 20:23). According to the authorities during the second Temple, he who gives false weight or measure, like the corrupt judge, is guilty of the following five things. He (1) defiles the land; (2) profanes the name of God; (3) causes the Shechinah to depart; (4) makes Israel perish by the sword, and (5) to go into captivity. Hence they declared that "the sin of illegal weights and measures is greater than that of incest, and is equivalent to the sin of denying that God redeemed Israel out of Egypt." They appointed public overseers to inspect the weights and measures all over the country; they prohibited weights to be made of iron, lead, or other metal liable to become lighter by wear or rust, and ordered them to be made of polished rock, of glass, &c, and enacted the severest punishment for fraud. . . . Verses 35, 36. - These verses, beginning with the same words as verse 15, Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, contain another and wider application of that principle. Verse 15 prohibited unrighteousness in the judge, or in one who was in the position of a judge; these verses forbid it in merchants and tradesmen. It is the more necessary to condemn dishonesty, in unmistakable terms, as men who make a profession of religion, and therefore would be shocked at stealing, have often less scruple in cheating. Here and in Deuteronomy, where the Law is repeated, a religious sanction is given to the command; "For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the Lord thy God" (Deuteronomy 25:16). Cf. Proverbs 11:1, "A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight;" and Proverbs 20:10, "Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord;" see also Micah 6:10, 11 and Ezekiel 45:10.

Parallel Commentaries ...


You must not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

use
תַעֲשׂ֥וּ (ṯa·‘ă·śū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

dishonest
עָ֖וֶל (‘ā·wel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5766: Injustice, unrighteousness

measures
בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֑ט (bam·miš·pāṭ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

of length,
בַּמִּדָּ֕ה (bam·mid·dāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4060: Extension, height, breadth, a measure, a portion, a vestment, tribute

weight,
בַּמִּשְׁקָ֖ל (bam·miš·qāl)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4948: Weight, weighing

or volume.
וּבַמְּשׂוּרָֽה׃ (ū·ḇam·mə·śū·rāh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4884: A measure


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OT Law: Leviticus 19:35 You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment (Le Lv Lev.)