The Symbolism of the Plumb Rule

Excerpt From:  THE WORKING TOOLS OF THE CRAFT, CHAPTER V, MASONIC ESSAYS (1998), W.M. DON FALCONER, THE CRAFT

Plumb lines and plumb rules are implements used to determine a vertical plane, often called plummets in the scriptures. Each depends upon a line from which a heavy plumb bob is suspended, so that when hanging freely the line is perpendicular. They are one of the oldest emblems and have the same symbolic interpretation.

The plumb is a symbol of truth and rectitude of conduct. It inculcates that integrity of life and undeviating course of moral uprightness which alone can distinguish a good and just man. When erecting temporal structures the operative mason pays strict attention to the vertical, as determined by the plumb, because any deviation from the upright contributes to instability. So the speculative freemason should be guided by the unerring principles of right and truth symbolised by the plumb, neither succumbing to the pressures of adversity nor yielding to the seductions of prosperity.

We read in Isaiah 28, v 17 of the New English Bible that the Lord said "I will use justice as a plumb-line and righteousness as a plummet; hail shall sweep away your refuge of lies and flood-waters carry away your shelter". In Amos 7, v 7-8 we also read that the Lord said "I am setting a plumb line to the heart of my people Israel; never again will I pass them by."

It is interesting to note that, from the most ancient times, many common words used in everyday speech have had a symbolic meaning related to the practical usage. Thus the Hebrew word "tsedek" denotes rightness and straightness in a physical sense, whilst signifying what is right and just in a moral sense. The Greek word "orthos" in the physical sense means straight, erect or standing upright, whilst in the ethical sense it signifies right, correct, proper and equitable. In Latin the word "rectum" denotes something straight or upright and also someone of honesty and integrity. In English the word "right" has a similar duality, in one sense denoting something that is just, fair or equitable, whilst in another sense indicating that something is straight, or perpendicular, or with reference to an angle that it is formed by a right line or plane perpendicular to another right line or plane thus forming an angle of 90°, a right angle.

All of these interpretations are represented in the symbolism of the plumb rule, which therefore is appropriate as the jewel of the Junior Warden, because it is emblematic of the upright conduct which should always distinguish the brethren during refreshment when symbolically they are under his control.