NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.
11 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 3:35 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. <sup>shall be: Heb. exalteth the fools</sup>
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.
9 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
The wise inherit honor,but fools are put to shame!
9 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Wise living gets rewarded with honor; stupid living gets the booby prize.
12 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
The wise will inherit honor, But fools display dishonor.
9 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
11 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
9 words
NLT
9 words
MSG
12 words
NASB
9 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 3:35?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 3:35 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 3:35 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.