A Comparison of Proverbs 9:9-10

Give advice to a wise person,
and he will become even wiser.
Teach a righteous person,
and he will learn more.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
Meaning-for-Meaning (Closest Natural Equivalence)

Give instruction to a wise person and he will become still wiser;
Teach a righteous person and he will increase his insight.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Word-for-Word (Formal Equivalence)

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Instruct the wise, and he will be wiser still;
teach the righteous, and he will learn more.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
Thought-for-Thought (Functional Equivalence)

Teach a wise person, and they will become even wiser.
Teach a person who does right, and they will learn even more.
If you want to become wise, you must begin by respecting the LORD.
To know the Holy One is to gain understanding.
New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)
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.