The tested cornerstone stands

14Therefore hear the word of Yahweh, you scoffing men, rulers of this people who are in Jerusalem.

15Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have made an agreement. When the overwhelming scourge passes through, it will not come to us, because we have made falsehood our refuge and have hidden ourselves in deceit.”

16Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will not be in haste.

17And I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will flood the shelter.

18And your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand; when the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will become a trampling place for it.