What is the NIV? I favor the NIV
New International Version. A decent phrase by phrase translation.
I prefer the NASB, New American Standard Bible as a better word by word translation.
It helps to go back to original Greek and Hebrew word studies to avoid mixing our scarred modern day worldly thinking with the meanings being communicated in Scripture.
Ultimately, we simply want to study His Word.
Interestingly, there are some OT passages quoted in the NT in the Greek which were slightly mistranslated, but both are in Scripture, which reveals God the Holy Spirit is still able to use both to sanctify us as we understand His Word in our thinking.
Our real focus is to remain in fellowship with Him, and He does the communication in our human spirit to further sanctify our thinking in our souls.