Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Samuel 17:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Samuel 17:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Samuel 17:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 2 Samuel, Absalom and the important leaders of Israel liked the plan and thought it was a good idea. They all agreed that it seemed right to them.

2 Samuel 17:4: And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. [pleased...: Heb. was right in the eyes of, etc]

Contradiction with Proverbs 12:15

2 Samuel 17:4 shows Ahithophel's advice being accepted immediately, suggesting wisdom in his counsel. In contrast, Proverbs teaches the wise listen to advice rather than relying solely on their own perspective.

Proverbs 12:15: The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:23

2 Samuel 17:4 implies that human plans, such as Ahithophel's, find immediate approval. Jeremiah, however, notes that it's not in man to direct his own steps, highlighting dependency on divine guidance.

Jeremiah 10:23: O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Contradiction with James 3:17

Ahithophel's plan was to violently pursue David, and found favor in 2 Samuel 17:4. In contrast, James says true wisdom from above is peaceable, which contradicts the nature of this counsel.

James 3:17: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [partiality: or, wrangling]
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