Contradiction with 1 Kings 12:14
This verse contradicts with 1 Kings 12:7 as it depicts King Rehoboam rejecting the advice given by the elders, which was to be a servant to the people and serve them kindly, and instead following the harsh counsel of the younger men, increasing the people's burdens.
1 Kings 12:14: And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father [also] chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict might arise with the verse advising a leader to be a servant to the people by treating them kindly, which seemingly conflicts with other biblical teachings or examples that emphasize strong authority, discipline, or divine rulership. This could be seen as inconsistent with passages that stress obedience to authority or portray leadership as exercising control without necessarily prioritizing service or kindness.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency related to 1 Kings 12:7 could be seen in the differing accounts of who was responsible for advising Rehoboam on how to respond to the people's demands. This account can contrast with other biblical narratives that depict different groups of advisors providing conflicting counsel, leading to questions about who held influence and the nature of the advice given during that period.
Paradox #3
This Bible verse suggests that leaders should serve their people to gain their loyalty and support. The contradiction might arise when leaders focus on gaining power or control instead of genuinely serving others. Such behavior conflicts with the message of selfless service and can lead to issues of insincerity or manipulation, which oppose the intended advice of serving genuinely for mutual benefit.