God’s Measure

Read Proverbs 20

False weights and unequal measures—the LORD detests double standards of every kind.

Proverbs 20:10

How often do we see the evil around us and pray for God’s justice? We wonder, Why does God allow all this evil to go on! This kind of thinking leads to two of the most common double standards: (1) judging others more harshly than we judge ourselves, and (2) believing God should judge others but remain lenient with us.

The Lord despises double standards because they elevate one person at the expense of others. These man-made standards also lack the mercy of God.

In our cry for fairness, we should not forget the frightening consequences of justice. As sinners, God could justly destroy each one of us today for missing the mark of perfection. When we remember that God’s patience and mercy block his judgment toward us, we will be more likely to show others patience and mercy.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Wisdom weighs by a single standard.

Today, Lord, give me the strength to replace judgment with mercy.