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STUDY 158

Text: Proverbs 16
4 July 2004

Dear Parents,

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY
We are all familiar with this oft-quoted maxim. The source behind this common phrase may well be from this text.

Honest weights and scales are the LORD’s;
All the weights in the bag are His work.

Proverbs 16:11

Let us take time to ponder the following thoughts that are suggested in this text. The medium of expression of honesty is that of “weights and scales”. This was a standard piece of equipment for merchants selling their wares in days gone by. It was easy to cheat people. False weights are easily made.

The challenge however was to practise doing business with honesty as the main guiding principle! Three thoughts may be highlighted.

1. Honesty extends to business principles.

2. Honesty completes itself when it expresses itself in honest practices.

3. Honest principles and practices come from the Lord Himself.

ENCOURAGING THE PRACTICE OF HONESTY
It is a great challenge to teach our children to practise honesty from a very young age. If they grow up with the principle of honesty, they will be specially blessed indeed. The challenge is very real and relevant today! There are so many who dismiss honesty as a relevant principle today!

WITH REFERENCE TO “KINGS”
We may not have “kings” today, but the principle taught in the following text is nonetheless important to study. The word “leader” may be a good substitute for the word “king”.

It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness,
For a throne is established by righteousness.

Proverbs 16:12

What lessons may be learnt from the study of this text?

1. Kings or leaders are not above the Law!

2. Kings are meant to rule by righteous example!

3. Even kings need to be established in their reign!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie