The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
1 God hates cheating in the marketplace; he loves it when business is aboveboard.
1
The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.
2 The stuck-up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm.
2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
3 The integrity of the honest keeps them on track; the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin.
3
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
4 A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart, but a principled life can stand up to the worst.
4
Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
5 Moral character makes for smooth traveling; an evil life is a hard life.
5
The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.
6 Good character is the best insurance; crooks get trapped in their sinful lust.
6
The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
7 When the wicked die, that's it - the story's over, end of hope.
7
Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.