NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
“How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:22 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
“How long, you simpletons,will you insist on being simpleminded?How long will you mockers relish your mocking?How long will you fools hate knowledge?
22 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
"Simpletons! How long will you wallow in ignorance? Cynics! How long will you feed your cynicism? Idiots! How long will you refuse to learn?
24 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing And fools hate knowledge?
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
22 words
MSG
24 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:22?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:22 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 1:22 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.