NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths;
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:15 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
16 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths,
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
My child, don’t go along with them!Stay far away from their paths.
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Oh, friend, don't give them a second look; don't listen to them for a minute.
15 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path,
16 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
16 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
15 words
NASB
16 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:15?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:15 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).
Which translation of Proverbs 1:15 is best?
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.
What is the difference between literal and dynamic Bible translations?
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.