Contradiction with Proverbs 3:34
While 2 Samuel 22:26 emphasizes God showing mercy to the merciful, Proverbs 3:34 states that God scorns the scorners but gives grace to the lowly, highlighting a contrast in divine responses.
Proverbs 3:34: Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:25
Contrasts by suggesting that God's ways are not equal, implying that divine actions may not always be reflective of human actions, unlike the reciprocity in 2 Samuel 22:26.
Ezekiel 18:25: Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
Contradiction with Matthew 5:45
Differs by illustrating that God causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust, showing impartial blessing rather than reciprocation.
Matthew 5:45: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Contradiction with Romans 9:15
Suggests God's mercy is not dependent on human action, stating God will have mercy on whom He chooses, in contrast to the conditional mercy implied in 2 Samuel 22:26.
Romans 9:15: For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Paradox #1
The verse in question talks about God's response being consistent with people's actions, such as showing mercy to the merciful. A potential contradiction or conflict might arise when this is compared to the idea of grace or undeserved favor found in other parts of the Bible. Some passages suggest that God's love and blessings are not always based on human behavior but rather offered freely, regardless of one's actions. This could seem inconsistent with the idea that God responds in kind to how people behave.
Paradox #2
This verse suggests that God acts in a way that mirrors people's behavior. The moral conflict might be that it implies God's actions depend on human actions, which could contradict the belief in God's unchanging nature and fairness to all.