NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
17 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:32 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. <sup>turning: or, ease of the simple</sup>
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them;
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For simpletons turn away from me — to death.Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.
15 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Don't you see what happens, you simpletons, you idiots? Carelessness kills; complacency is murder.
14 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them.
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
17 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
15 words
MSG
14 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:32?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:32 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 1:32 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.