diff --git a/src/zlevis-encrypt b/src/zlevis-encrypt
index a03ded1..989c711 100755
--- a/src/zlevis-encrypt
+++ b/src/zlevis-encrypt
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ fi
 
 # Validate the configuration input
 if ! cfg="$(jose fmt -j "$1" -Oo- 2>/dev/null)"; then
-    echo "Configuration '{\"property\":\"value\"}' is malformed" >&2
+    echo "Configuration '{\"property\":\"value\"}' is not present or malformed" >&2
     exit 1
 fi