NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
17 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:31 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices.
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,choking on their own schemes.
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Well, you've made your bed—now lie in it; you wanted your own way—now, how do you like it?
18 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way And be satiated with their own devices.
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
17 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
18 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:31?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:31 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 1:31 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.