If you look at all the "major" translations of the Bible they all have the same message and the same Gospel. So if you are actually looking for a "best" well you will get many different answers on that. If I were you I would stick to a word for word and not a paraphrase. KJV, NKJV, NIV, ESV, NAS, NRSV are all good. . It all depends on the word "style" you like. Everyone, including myself, has their own preference. Myself I would also chose a study Bible in the version you decide on. Personally a study Bible helps me in my own studies.