NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Warning Against Rejecting Wisdom Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares;
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:20 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: <sup>Wisdom: Heb. Wisdoms, that is, Excellent wisdom</sup>
17 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice;
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Wisdom shouts in the streets.She cries out in the public square.
11 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Lady Wisdom goes out in the street and shouts. At the town center she makes her speech.
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square;
12 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
17 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
11 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
12 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:20?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:20 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 1:20 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.