“Buyer Beware!” is a lesson we have all had to learn, many of us having learned it the hard way! False and misleading advertisements in television, radio, magazines and sales flyers have made people and corporations rich; however, their victims are often the ones who can least afford the hook and line in deceptive advertisements!

Proverbs 20:10 pictures a business transaction from a bygone era when dry goods, meats, and precious metals were traded using certified weights and scales.

Proverbs 20:10 – “Divers weights [stones; weights used for measurements], and divers measures [measurement for grains], both of them are alike abomination [disgusting; abhorrence; loathsome] to the LORD.”

Nearly every aspect of business transactions in our day is electronic; however, not too long ago a butcher or a feed store transacted business by mechanical scales much as they did in Solomon’s day. The opportunity of cheating unsuspecting customers was present and many men exploited the naïve with false weights and deceptive practices.

Regardless of the excuse “everybody does it”, God demands that His people be honest.  Allow me to cite several verses that emphasize the same principle.

Deuteronomy 25:13 – “Thou shalt not have in thy bag [money bag; purse] divers weights, a great [greater than its marked value] and a small [less than its marked value].”

Proverbs 11:1, 3 – “A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. ³ The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.”

God hates dishonesty and demands that His people are upright in business.

Psalm 25:21 – “Let integrity [innocence; complete; perfect] and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.”

A second proverb states the actions of a child are a reflection of his character.

Proverbs 20:11 – “Even a child [youth; young servant] is known [acknowledged; revered; regarded] by his doings [works; actions; deeds], whether his work [acts; deeds] be pure [clean], and whether it be right [straight; just].”

It amazes me to hear parents insist their child could do no wrong.   Far too many parents are either blind or unwilling to acknowledge the fallen, sinful nature of their children as evidenced in their sinful actions.   You need only observe your child’s attitudes and actions to discern their spiritual bent.

A spiritually minded child will do right.   They will obey and honor their parents and other authority figures in their life.   However, a child who is disrespectful, habitually lies and deceives should be recognized for who he is—a young fool who desperately needs parents who will discipline and direct him on a path that is righteous and God-fearing (Proverbs 13:24; 29:15, 17).

Our third proverb is an acknowledgement of God our Creator.

Proverbs 20:12 – “The hearing [obedient; hearken; attentive; understanding] ear, and the seeing eye [discerning; perceptive; beholding], the LORD hath made [fashion; create; construct] even both of them.”

I have heard it said, “God has given us two ears to hear, two eyes to see and only one mouth to speak! We should do less talking and twice as much listening and seeing!”

There is a lot of truth in that simple adage. Sight and hearing are wonderful gifts God has bestowed to man. I recently saw a video where a toddler had been given a hearing device and the smile that came across his face when he first heard his mother’s voice was priceless!

The psalmist challenged man to look at the heavens and see God’s glory displayed in His handiwork (Psalm 19:1).

Our ears give us the privilege to hear the Gospel declared and the saints of God lifting their voices in song and praise to our Savior and God. They enable us to hear the first cry of an infant and the words “I love you” from those we love.

We are in God’s debt for the wonderful gifts of sight and hearing.

Copyright 2016 – Travis D. Smith