A Comparison of Proverbs 16:16-17

How much better it is to gain wisdom than gold,
and the gaining of understanding should be chosen over silver.
The highway of decent people turns away from evil.
Whoever watches his way preserves his own life.
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
Meaning-for-Meaning (Closest Natural Equivalence)

How much better to get wisdom than gold!
To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
The highway of the upright turns aside from evil;
whoever guards his way preserves his life.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Word-for-Word (Formal Equivalence)

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How much better to get wisdom than gold,
and good judgment than silver!
The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;
whoever follows that path is safe.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Thought-for-Thought (Functional Equivalence)

Get wisdom—it’s worth more than money;
choose insight over income every time.
The road of right living bypasses evil;
watch your step and save your life.
The Message (MSG)
Paraphrase (Retelling)

Visit our Bible Translation Guide for more information about the major differences between the clear, natural English of God’s Word and other translations.