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Proverbs 20:10 · World English Bible

Proverbs 20:10 Meaning Differing Weights and Differing Measures

Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.

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What does Proverbs 20:10 mean?

The ego keeps two scales, one for the self it wants excused and another for the brother it wants condemned, and this double measure is the very machinery of judgment. To weigh one mind by mercy and another by attack is to split the single truth in two, and love cannot bless a sight so divided.

From the Christian Psychology reading below.

Proverbs 20:10 through 1 lens

The same verse, read by one tradition.

CHRISTIAN PSYCHOLOGY

Christian Psychology

The ego keeps two scales, one for the self it wants excused and another for the brother it wants condemned, and this double measure is the very machinery of judgment. To weigh one mind by mercy and another by attack is to split the single truth in two, and love cannot bless a sight so divided. What is asked is one measure, the same innocence extended to everyone, because in truth there is only one mind being looked upon.

A mind that would see clearly lets go of its rigged scales and gives to every other exactly the forgiveness it wants for itself, since love knows no two standards.

Divers weights: the ego's private scale that excuses the self, the leniency it reserves for its own guilt Divers measures: the harsher rule the mind turns on others, the projected judgment that condemns in a brother what it forgives in itself

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Christian Psychology lens

Live Proverbs 20:10 today

  1. Catch one excuse you make for yourself today, tired, busy, having a hard week, and hand that same excuse to the person who annoyed you. They probably have it for the same reason you do.
  2. Before you tell someone what they got wrong, ask yourself how you would want to hear it. Then say it that way.
  3. On the road or in a slow line, give the other person the benefit you would want if it were your bad morning. Same measure, both directions.

Where am I using a kinder ruler on myself than on the person in front of me?

The same truth in other traditions

Confucianism · Analects

Do not do to others what you would not want done to you. One rule, applied both directions, is the whole of it.

Judaism · Hillel

What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the entire teaching, the rest is commentary.

Buddhism · Udanavarga

Since everyone treasures their own life as you treasure yours, treat them with the care you want for yourself. Two standards cannot both be true.

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