NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—
12 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:4 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. <sup>discretion: or, advisement</sup>
16 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth —
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
These proverbs will give insight to the simple,knowledge and discernment to the young.
13 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality.
15 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion,
12 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
12 words
KJV
16 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
13 words
MSG
15 words
NASB
12 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:4 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 1:4 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.