It was interesting to have imbalances on my mind this morning, and then to read these words.
“A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight is His delight.”
Proverbs 11:1
The imbalance of a friend’s time with her kids, vs. the time her ex-husband has, and how neglect and the influence of bad character is affecting their children.
The imbalance of a story told from one side, and believed by many, and how easy it is to tilt the scale when charisma outweighs character.
The imbalance of an opinion given with the intention to subtly bring shadow over another person or their relationship. Instead of saying, “she will bring a strong voice to that crew,” I could say “how is her harsh personality going to mix in that environment?” and make someone think less of her.
We have all been victims of a false balance, and I would wager we’ve all attempted to shift things in our favor as well.
God doesn’t like it. A false weight, is an untruth; a lie. A good truth left unsaid so the bad truth can spend more time in the open air is still a false balance.
And I wonder, if God’s opinion of my false ways is so abhorrent to Him, what does He do about it?
“For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 7:2
He will allow me to use my false balance, but you can be sure it will be the same balance used when my needs and my character are placed on the scale to be bought and sold by the people around me.
We often speak from our good intentions, saying we want to see justice, but we forget that God’s justice will always be in balance.
I may never see my enemy suffer the way they made me suffer, but that isn’t how it works. God’s justice isn’t payback, it’s a pledge. A pledge to keep our scale consistent. If I am deceitful and call myself good, I will be returned the same quality of good.
God is the owner of vengeance and defines it as He wishes. We don’t get to tell him how to balance the scales, our responsibility is to keep our own balance true. Never losing sight of the really important thing. God’s delight.
God delights in a just weight. When I measure my responses with perspective. When I speak with the intent to offer grace instead of grumbling. When I set integrity as the greatest value of my life, instead of instant gratification, integrity will become a guard and a shield around me.
Does that mean if I never cheat someone, I will never be cheated? No, it means when I am cheated God will set the balance right somewhere else. He will always be able to set my feet on level ground. It isn’t the stuff of movies and young adult novels, it is the stuff of consistency, faithfulness, and trust. The grand one-up-man-ship we want isn’t found at the place of our victimhood; it’s found where we set our heart on an unrelenting trust of God’s love and His goodness.
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:13-14
He does not overlook our offenses, but He has a way of dealing with them that redeems both the victim and the abuser. He loves both. He can heal both. And when we rest in the wisdom that says, “What God has in mind for good on my behalf, is much better than what I have in mind for bad for someone else,” we will find a peace we didn’t know was possible.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
Our love for God, our intention to be people who are focused on His purposes, that is our first and most crucial step in choosing a true balance. When His purposes are prioritized above mine, I can’t cheat someone, I can’t lie about someone, I can’t even raise doubts about them. I am called to love as He loves, and love what He loves.
He delights in a just weight.