NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:5 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,
15 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.Let those with understanding receive guidance
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
There's something here also for seasoned men and women,
9 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
15 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
9 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:5?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:5 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 1:5 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.