NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 4:5 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Get wisdom; develop good judgment.Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
13 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding! Don't forget one word! Don't deviate an inch!
16 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
16 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
13 words
MSG
16 words
NASB
16 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 4:5?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 4:5 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 4:5 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.