This verse is another Yahweh proverb.

“A just balance and scales are the Lord‘s”: For a similar saying see 11.1. “Just” in relation to “balance” may be taken as the opposite of “false balance,” that is, a “correct” or “honest” one. “Scales” is the same word as used in 11.1, where it is translated “balance.” “Balance” here is another word referring to the same instrument used for weighing. Some translate “balance” as “weights” and “scales” as “measurements.” Others use only one term for the two Hebrew words. Some like Contemporary English Version translate the idea only: “The Lord doesn’t like it when we cheat in business.”

Another way to interpret “just” in relation to “balance” “and scales” is supported by Hebrew Old Testament Text Project as “The scales of judgment,” that is, a symbol of the Lord acting justly in judging the affairs of people.

The main problem in this line, however, is the relation of the Lord to the rest of the sentence. Most interpreters understand the Lord as requiring that balances and scales be honest. Biblia Dios Habla Hoy says “Weights and measurements fall under the judgment of the Lord.” Revised English Bible has “Accuracy of scales and balances is the Lord‘s concern,” and Bible en français courant “The Lord wants scales to be just.”

“All the weights in the bag are his work”: “Weights”, as in 11.1, is literally “stones” and refers to the weights placed on the pans of the weighing scale. These objects had to be the correct weight to make an honest measurement. The merchant kept the stones in a bag. “His work” refers to God’s activity in establishing fair weights as part of his creation. New English Bible/Revised English Bible say “all the weights in the bag are his business.” Biblia Dios Habla Hoy has “all the weights have been created by him.” Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch has “he himself has fixed the weights,” and Bible en français courant says “he decides how the weights should be used.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .