Understanding Judgment from a Biblical Perspective in Everyday Terms
Introduction: What Does ‘Weighing in the Balance’ Mean?
Have you ever heard someone say, “Let’s weigh it in the balance”? In everyday language, this idiom means to carefully evaluate or judge something, to see if it measures up. Picture an old-fashioned scale—one side holds what you have, the other side holds the standard you want to meet. If the sides aren’t equal, something is lacking.
The Idiom Today: Careful Evaluation in Daily Life
We use “weighing in the balance” when talking about making decisions or judging situations. For example, before making a big purchase, you might weigh the pros and cons in the balance. Or when reviewing a job candidate, an employer might weigh their qualifications and experience. In these cases, we set a standard and see if something or someone measures up.
Biblical Origin: The Story of Belshazzar in Daniel 5
The phrase actually comes from the Bible, in the book of Daniel, chapter 5. King Belshazzar of Babylon throws a wild party, using sacred objects stolen from God’s temple. In the middle of his celebration, a mysterious hand writes a message on the wall. Daniel, a wise man, is called to interpret the message. He tells Belshazzar that he has been “weighed in the balance and found wanting”—meaning God has evaluated him and found him lacking. Belshazzar is judged not by human standards, but by God’s higher standards of righteousness.
God’s Standards vs. Human Standards
When we judge, we often use our own perspectives—what seems fair, what others think, or what benefits us. But God’s standards are different. He looks beyond outward appearances, achievements, or popularity. What matters to God is our heart, our motives, and our character. While humans might overlook flaws or be impressed by status, God’s evaluation goes much deeper. In Daniel 5, Belshazzar’s power and wealth meant nothing to God; what mattered was his respect for what is holy and his humility.
Other Biblical Examples: Hannah’s Prayer and 1 Samuel 2:3
This idea appears elsewhere in the Bible. In 1 Samuel 2:3, Hannah prays, “The Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.” Hannah recognizes that God sees everything—not just what we do, but why we do it. While people might judge based on what they see, God weighs our actions and intentions. God’s balance is not swayed by reputation, emotions, or public opinion.
Practical Takeaways: What Does This Mean for Us?
For everyday life, remembering that God “weighs in the balance” can be both reassuring and challenging. It’s reassuring because we know God is fair—He sees the whole picture, including our struggles and efforts that others might miss. It’s challenging because we can’t hide behind appearances; God cares about who we truly are. Instead of worrying about what others think, we can focus on living honestly and kindly, knowing that God’s judgment is rooted in love and truth.
Conclusion: Reflecting on God’s Righteousness and Our Own
The idiom “weighing in the balance” reminds us to think about what really matters. God’s standards of righteousness go far beyond what people usually consider. By looking to examples like Belshazzar and Hannah, we see that true judgment comes from a place of wisdom and care. Next time you hear “weighing in the balance,” remember: the scales that count are the ones held by God, who judges with perfect fairness and love.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 