1 Heb “an abomination of the Lord.” The term יְהוָה (yéhvah, “the Lord”) is a subjective genitive.
2 Heb “scales of deception.” The genitive is attributive: “deceptive scales.” This refers to dishonesty in the market where silver was weighed in the scales. God condemns dishonest business practices (Deut 25:13–16; Lev 19:35–36), as did the ancient Near East ( 388, 423).
3 Heb “a perfect stone.” Stones were used for measuring amounts of silver on the scales; here the stone that pleases the Lord is whole, complete, perfect (from שָׁלֵם, shalem). It was one that would give an honest, accurate measurement.
4 Heb “presumptuousness.” This term is from the root זִיד, zid (or זוּד, zud) which means “to boil; to seethe; to act proudly; to act presumptuously.” The idea is that of boiling over the edge of the pot, signifying overstepping the boundaries (e.g., Gen 25:29).
5 The verbs show both the sequence and the correlation. The first is the perfect tense of בּוֹא (bo’, “to enter; to come”); it is followed by the preterite with vav consecutive from the same verb, showing that one follows or comes with the other. Because the second verb in the colon is sequential to the first, the first may be subordinated as a temporal clause.
6 This proverb does not state how the disgrace will come, but affirms that it will follow pride. The proud will be brought down.
7 Heb “modesty”; , “the lowly.” The adjective צְנוּעִים (tsénu’im, “modest”) is used as a noun; this is an example of antimeria in which one part of speech is used in the place of another (see E. W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech, ), e.g., “Let the dry [adjective] appear!” = dry land (Gen 1:9). The root צָנַע (tsana’, “to be modest; to be humble”) describes those who are reserved, retiring, modest. The plural form is used for the abstract idea of humility.
8 The term “comes” does not appear in the Hebrew, but is supplied in the translation from parallelism.
9 This contrasts two lifestyles, affirming the value of integrity. The upright live with integrity—blamelessness—and that integrity leads them in success and happiness. Those who use treachery will be destroyed by it.
10 The form is a Kethib/Qere reading. The Qere יְשָׁדֵּם (yéshadem) is an imperfect tense with the pronominal suffix. The Kethib וְשַׁדָּם (véshadam) is a perfect tense with a vav prefixed and a pronominal suffix. The Qere is supported by the versions.
11 The “day of wrath” refers to divine punishment in this life (R. N. Whybray, Proverbs [], 67; e.g., also Job 21:30; Ezek 7:19; Zeph 1:18). Righteousness and not wealth is more valuable in anticipating judgment.
12 Heb “from death.”

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,

but a just weight is his delight.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,

but with the humble is wisdom.

The integrity of the upright guides them,

but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,

but righteousness delivers from death.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

The Lord detests dishonest scales,

but accurate weights find favor with him.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,

but with humility comes wisdom.

The integrity of the upright guides them,

but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath,

but righteousness delivers from death.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Dishonest scales are detestable to the Lord,

but an accurate weight is his delight.

When arrogance comes, disgrace follows,

but with humility comes wisdom.

The integrity of the upright guides them,

but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.

Wealth is not profitable on a day of wrath,

but righteousness rescues from death.

NLTNew Living Translation

The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales,

but he delights in accurate weights.

Pride leads to disgrace,

but with humility comes wisdom.

Honesty guides good people;

dishonesty destroys treacherous people.

Riches won’t help on the day of judgment,

but right living can save you from death.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

Balances of deceit are an abomination of Yahweh,

but an accurate weight delights him.

Pride comes, then disgrace comes,

but wisdom is with the humble.

The integrity of the upright guides them,

but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

Wealth does not profit on the day of wrath,

but righteousness will deliver from death.

KJV 1900King James Version

A false balance is abomination to the Lord:

But a just weight is his delight.

When pride cometh, then cometh shame:

But with the lowly is wisdom.

The integrity of the upright shall guide them:

But the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

Riches profit not in the day of wrath:

But righteousness delivereth from death.

Public Domain