Proverbs 20:23 kjv — Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good.

King James Version

"Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good."

— Proverbs 20:23, King James Version

Read in Another Translation

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Proverbs 20:23 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Proverbs 20 — Context

20

Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

21

An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

22

Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.

23

Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good.

24

Man’s goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?

25

It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

26

A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

Proverbs 20:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 20:23 say?
Proverbs 20:23 in the King James Version reads: “Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good.”
Where is Proverbs 20:23 in the Bible?
Proverbs 20:23 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 20, verse 23.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 20:23.
What translation should I read Proverbs 20:23 in?
Proverbs 20:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 20:23?
Proverbs 20:23 reads (KJV): “Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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