How do you "weigh?"


Proverbs 11:1--When we lived in Pennsylvania, there was a small convenience store near our home. It was on my way to the grocery store, so I would walk by it a couple times a week.

It was a "mom and pop" place and at one time was probably pretty nice. Over the years it had become rundown. Still, Bob and I had ordered their subs and grinders and they were pretty tasty. And they had a nice selection of deli meats.

One day I thought I'd buy some of the deli meats.

The counter was taller than me and stacked with breads, a large jar of pickles, and displays of chips. The gentleman behind the counter was friendly as I ordered a 1/2# of smoked turkey, a 1/4# of corned beef, and a 1/4# of roast beef.

As the man sliced the meat, I noticed there was no scale on the crowded counter. When he packaged my meats there were no official stickers with the weight and price.

Had he weighed the meat or just eyeballed it? Was the amount he charged me spot on, or had he cheated me? I didn't know.

I thought of this proverb as I walked home. Had he weighed my purchase on an "honest scale" so that I could see what it weighed, it would have eliminated my uncomfortable feelings that he might have cheated me.

My negative impression from that experience caused me to not purchase from him again.

It made me think of the importance of appearances. As superficial as that may sound, appearances do count. The thing is, how I appear should be real, honest.

How I "weigh" my life at home should "weigh" the same in my public life. I shouldn't cheat others with a false identity, but be as transparent as possible.

May people come away with an honest impression of who we are, my friends.

Proverbs 11:1--Dishonest scales are an abomination to ADONAI, but an accurate weight is His delight. Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible #tlvproverbs

[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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