AN AMAZING FACT: When it came to measuring things in ancient times, the body ruled. At first an inch was the width of a man’s thumb. A hand was approximately five inches across. A span was the length of an outstretched hand. And a foot was the length of a foot, or about 11 inches. Today a foot is 12 inches.
There is a science to measuring things. Metrology literally means “the study of measurement.” It is broken into three fields: science, industry, and law. Calibration is a process in which metrology is applied to equipment and processes to ensure conformity with a standard of measurement. Without precise measurement, commerce would be a mess. Nine out of 10 people who work with measurements are employed in commercial applications.
Defined measurements sometimes were determined by kings. King Edward II of England ruled that one inch equaled three grains of barley placed end to end lengthwise. King Henry I of England fixed the yard as the distance from his nose to the thumb of his out-stretched arm. Lest you think such early measurements were silly, consider that dividing things into units occurred in ancient times and still impacts us today. The Romans used units of 12, and today we have 12 inches in a foot and 12 months in a year.
Jesus once said, “Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). You might wonder at how some foods are measured. Have you ever purchased and opened a cereal box only to find that it was half full? It’s disappointing, isn’t it—but don’t judge too quickly, as the contents have merely settled.
God encourages us to be generous in how we “measure” things. Don’t judge others too quickly. Believe the best of them. That’s just how the Lord treats us, giving us more than we ask for. It’s like the baker’s dozen.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. James 2:13