9 “Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain,

setting his nest on high

to escape the clutches of ruin!

9 Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house,

That he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!

9 “What sorrow awaits you who build big houses

with money gained dishonestly!

You believe your wealth will buy security,

putting your family’s nest beyond the reach of danger.

9 “Woe to him who covets evil gain for his house,

That he may set his nest on high,

That he may be delivered from the power of disaster!

9 “How terrible it will be for the nation that becomes rich by doing wrong,

thinking they will live in a safe place

and escape harm.

9 Woe to him that getteth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil!

9 Woe to him that getteth iniquitous gain to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the grasp of evil!

9 “ ‘How horrible it will be for the one who uses violence 

to get things for his own household 

in order to set his nest up high 

and save himself from disaster.’ 

9 Woe to him who dishonestly makes

wealth for his house

to place his nest on high,

to escape from the reach of disaster!

9 “Alas for you who get evil gain for your houses,

setting your nest on high

to be safe from the reach of harm!”

9 Woe to him who obtains profit from evil gain for his house,

to set his nest on high,

to be saved from the hand of misfortune!

9 “How terrible it will be for the Babylonians!

They build their kingdom with money

they gained by cheating others.

They have tried to make the kingdom

as secure as possible.

After all, they did not want to be destroyed.

9 “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house

To put his nest on high,

To be delivered from the hand of calamity!