Chapter 62:7-9
The Laws of Commerce and Trade
7. A person who measures or weighs out less then the appropriate measure to
a colleague transgresses a Torah commandment, as [Leviticus 19:35] states:
"Do not falsely in judgement or in measurement, whether of weight or of
volume." (See also Chapter 182, Laws 1 and 4.)
The punishment meted out to those who falsify measures and weights is very
severe, for it is impossible for a person who used a faulty measure to
repent properly, since he cannot know to whom he must return money. Even if
he sets aside the money for community welfare projects, this is not
considered proper repentance.
8. [Deuteronomy 25:13-15 states: You must not have in your pockets two
different weights, one large and one small. You must not have in your house
two different measures, one large and one small. You must have a full,
honest weight and a full, honest measure.
The phrases "in your pocket" and "in your house" appear superfluous.
Accordingly, our Sages, of blessed memory, explained (Bova Basra 89a): "You
shall not have" money "in your pocket." Why? because you have "two
different weights." "You shall not have" your necessities" in your house."
Why? because you have "two different measures." But, if "you have a full,
honest weight" in your house, you will have money. Similarly, if "you have
a full, honest measure" in your house, you will have your needs.
Similarly, our Sages declared (Niddoh 70b): What should a person do to
become wealthy? He should carry out his business honestly and ask for mercy
from the true Source of wealth, as [Chaggai, 2:8] states: "Silver is Mine
and gold is Mine."
9. One must weigh and measure generously, giving the purchaser slightly
more than the required measure, as implied by [Deuteronomy, ibid.] "a full,
honest measure." What is meant by "honest"? The Torah teaches: Seek honest
at your expense and give him from your own (Bova Basra 88b).
