Contradiction with Proverbs 17:22
This verse states that a cheerful heart is good medicine, contradicting the idea that making someone sorry could lead to anything positive, as implied in 2 Corinthians 7:8.
Proverbs 17:22: A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. [like: or, to]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:22
This verse warns against causing anger without cause, while 2 Corinthians 7:8 discusses causing sorrow potentially with purpose.
Matthew 5:22: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. [Raca: that is, Vain fellow]
Contradiction with Ephesians 4:29
This implies that only words that edify should be spoken, which contradicts with causing grief, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 7:8.
Ephesians 4:29: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. [to...: or, to edify profitably]
Contradiction with Proverbs 15:1
Suggests a soft answer turns away wrath, contrasting with the approach of causing sorrow mentioned in 2 Corinthians 7:8.
Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Contradiction with James 3:10
Encourages consistent purity in speech, challenging the use of words that result in grief as described in 2 Corinthians 7:8.
James 3:10: Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in 2 Corinthians 7:8 could be the tension between causing someone pain and doing it for their own good. It talks about feeling sorry for causing someone sadness but recognizing that it led to a positive outcome for them. This can feel confusing because it involves hurting someone to help them, which seems inconsistent with being kind and compassionate.