Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the verse 'Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small' mean?
A: This verse from Deuteronomy 25:13 prohibits using dishonest weights and measures in business. It teaches that one must not keep two different weights (a heavy one for buying and a light one for selling) to deceive others. Rashi explains that this is a warning against any form of dishonesty in commerce, as it violates Torah law and ethical behavior.
Q: Why is honesty in weights and measures important in Judaism?
A: Honesty in weights and measures is fundamental in Judaism because it reflects integrity and fairness, which are core Torah values. The Rambam (Hilchot Geneiva 7:3) emphasizes that cheating in business is a serious sin, as it harms others and undermines trust in society. The Talmud (Bava Batra 88b) also states that dishonest business practices are among the first things judged in the Heavenly court.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern business practices?
A: This verse applies today by teaching that all business dealings must be conducted with honesty and transparency. Whether in weights, measurements, pricing, or advertising, one must avoid any form of deception. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 231) expands on this, ruling that even misleading statements or withholding important information from customers is forbidden.
Q: What can we learn from this commandment about ethical behavior?
A: This commandment teaches that ethical behavior extends beyond ritual observance—it includes how we treat others in everyday matters like business. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 294) connects this law to the broader principle of 'Justice, justice shall you pursue' (Deuteronomy 16:20), showing that fairness in commerce is a divine requirement. It reminds us that G-d watches all our actions, even those done in private.
Q: Does this law only apply to physical weights, or does it include other forms of dishonesty?
A: While the verse specifically mentions weights, Jewish law extends this principle to all forms of commercial dishonesty. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 49b) explains that it includes any deceptive practice, such as false advertising, tampering with products, or misrepresenting quality. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 538) adds that the spirit of the law is to maintain absolute honesty in all financial matters.
Prohibition of Dishonest Weights in Business
The verse (Devarim 25:13) prohibits possessing אֶבֶן וָאָבֶן ("a stone and a stone")—referring to dishonest weights in commerce. Rashi explains that this means one must not keep two sets of weights, a large one for buying (to receive more) and a small one for selling (to give less). This is a severe transgression, as it constitutes theft and undermines trust in business dealings.
Moral and Legal Implications
Rambam (Hilchot Geneivah 7:3) elaborates that this prohibition extends beyond physical weights to any form of deception in measurements, including liquid and dry measures. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 61b) emphasizes that dishonest weights are particularly abhorrent because they are hidden from human eyes but known to Hashem, who exacts punishment even for subtle fraud.
Practical Halachic Application
The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 231:1) rules that merchants must regularly inspect their weights and measures to ensure accuracy. Even unintentional discrepancies due to wear or dirt are forbidden, as they lead to unfair transactions. The Rema adds that communities must appoint overseers to enforce honest commerce.