NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Further Benefits of Wisdom My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 3:1 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
13 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
14 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
My child, never forget the things I have taught you.Store my commands in your heart.
15 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands.
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments;
14 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
13 words
ESV
14 words
NLT
15 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
14 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 3:1?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 3:1 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 3:1 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.