Perhaps nothing can incite strong emotions as quickly as being cheated. We once bought an insurance policy that specifically stated that expenses incurred through “complications of pregnancy” would be paid by the insurance company. When Mary spent the last 5 months of her last pregnancy in the bed after having surgery to prevent a premature birth, we felt confident that our insurance carrier would “pick up the tab.” We were shocked to hear them say that they would not. They said her pregnancy was “normal.” Hard to believe, but true. That is a classic example of a dishonest business – something that God has never approved.

Part of the Law of Moses included this instruction to those who would do business with strangers, “You shall do no injustice in judgment, in measurement of length, weight, or volume. You shall have honest scales, honest weights…” (Lev. 19:35-36). Amos denounced the dishonest businessmen of his day with the following penetrating statements, “Hear this, you who swallow up the needy, and make the poor of the land fail, saying: ‘When will the New Moon be past, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat? Making the ephah small and the shekel large, falsifying the scales by deceit, that we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals—even sell the bad wheat?’” (Amos 8:4-6).

Sadly, too many people today have given in to the temptation to “tinker with scales.” What a tragedy to find people, occasionally brethren, who care so little about their fellow man that they will cheat them out of what rightfully belongs to them. Instead, we ought to heed the words of God regarding honesty in all that we do. Paul wanted the lives of his readers to be characterized by “providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Cor. 8:21). “Provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Rom. 12:17).

As children of God we have the privilege to shine the light of truth, honesty and integrity before the world, hoping that our example will bring glory to God and draw others to Him (Rom. 14:16; Matt. 5:16; 1 Thess. 4:12; 1 Pet. 2:12; 3:16). May we always remember that children of God should be the best neighbors, citizens and businesspeople in the world.

Eddie Parrish