Consistency

“Divers weights, [and] divers measures, both of them [are] alike abomination to the LORD.  Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work [be] pure, and whether [it be] right. The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.” (Pr 20:10-12 AV)

Verse eleven, if taken by itself, could mean two things.  Either it is a warning to children that their behavior reveals who and what they are, or it is a warning to adults that as a child’s behavior cannot be hidden, neither can an adult.  Both are true and biblical.  But I think Solomon means something a bit different.  The statement of a child’s behavior is nestled between a verse that deals with consistency of standards and a verse that declares God made our ears and eyes.  I think what Solomon is trying to convey is a warning against inconsistent standards, thinking the inconsistency is not necessarily observable by others.  We may miss a lot, but inconsistency is not one of them.  All one has to do is speak with children under your charge, and you will hear very quickly how unfair certain things appear.

Being consistent before others requires respect.  By assuming our inconsistencies are minor or hidden, we show disrespect to the observational skills of those who watch us.  I think that is what Solomon meant in verse 12.  I had above average parents.  They had their flaws, and some were on the serious side.  But there was one side to them that was perhaps the strongest of all qualities.  They were consistent.  My father was relentless in this area.  If there was a rule, then it was for everyone.  If it appeared as though the rule was relaxed for one and not for another, there was a principle involved that explained that decision.  My mom has benchmarks of maturity set for us that were the same for all.  Our eleventh birthday, we got a watch.  Our 14th birthday meant we could get a ten-speed bike.  We had a bedtime based on the school class we were enrolled in.  Starting with sixth grade up to eleventh, we went to bed on the hour that reflected the number of our class.  There were chores.  There was a schedule.  The rules for behavior were the same for all.  Even when they got old and gray, these rules still set.  This did several things for us.  It gave us a sense of predictability and security.  This consistency also ended arguments before they began.  We knew the rule and the answer we would get.  There was also our opinion of Mom and Dad.  They were not perfect.  But they were fair.  Right down to the details of how they ran their home.

Consistency is not merely for our sake.  When we are consistent, the consequences for choices are predictable and can be planned.  When we are consistent, fewer things will derail us from our goals.  When we are consistent, maturity becomes easier and with less trauma.  There is personal benefit in being consistent.  More so, consistency is for the sake of others.  The above example is in weights and measures.  If someone was changing them for personal gain, it would not take long for word to get out and business to drop off.  Knowing where someone stands and how they process life goes a long way in determining just how committed we can be to them.  Inconsistency is the death of deep relationships.  Being a person of your word and being predictable ministers to the need for trust for others.  The misnomer Solomon is trying to convey here is that if we live an inconsistent life, it will be just as evident as a immature child trying to be someone he is not.  They don’t have the sophistication yet.  They don’t have the savvy yet.  We think a child is obvious, but we can hide.  According to Solomon, not so.  Living inconsistently is as obvious as the motive of a child.