NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.
12 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.
12 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
King James Version · 1611
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
9 words · Formal / word-for-word
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
9 words · Essentially literal
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
My child, if sinners entice you,turn your back on them!
10 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
The Message · 2002
Dear friend, if bad companions tempt you, don't go along with them.
12 words · Contemporary paraphrase
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.
9 words · Most literal English translation
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:10 in 6 translations: New International Version, King James Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation, The Message, New American Standard Bible. Each uses a different translation philosophy — from word-for-word (KJV, ESV, NASB) to thought-for-thought (NIV, NLT) to paraphrase (MSG).
No single translation is "best" — it depends on your purpose. For deep study, use the ESV or NASB (word-for-word). For devotional reading, the NIV balances accuracy and readability. The NLT and MSG are excellent for understanding the general meaning in modern English. Comparing multiple translations helps grasp the full richness of the text.
Literal (formal equivalence) translations like KJV, ESV, and NASB translate word-for-word from the original Hebrew/Greek. Dynamic equivalence translations like NIV and NLT translate thought-for-thought for clarity. The MSG is a paraphrase that captures the spirit in contemporary language. Each approach has strengths — that's why comparing translations is valuable.