2 Samuel 23:6 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author of the book, the bad people are like sharp thorns that we can't touch or hold because they can hurt us. This means that people who do bad things will be pushed away and not be close to God or good people.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Whereas 2 Samuel 23:6 speaks about the wicked being like thorns, meant to be thrown away, Matthew 5:44 teaches to love your enemies, and do good to them that hate you.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Romans 12:20

2 Samuel 23:6 suggests discarding the wicked like thorns, while Romans 12:20 encourages feeding your enemy if he is hungry, symbolizing kindness rather than rejection.

Romans 12:20: Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Contradiction with Luke 6:27

2 Samuel 23:6 implies rejection of the wicked, but Luke 6:27 instructs to love your enemies and do good to those who hate you, promoting compassion over rejection.

Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21

This verse suggests feeding your enemy if he is hungry, contradicting 2 Samuel 23:6, which describes rejecting the wicked.

Proverbs 25:21: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Contradiction with Exodus 23:4-5

These verses encourage returning lost animals to your enemy or helping the enemy's burdened animal, in contrast to the rejection shown in 2 Samuel 23:6.

Exodus 23:4-5: If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Speaks of love being patient and kind, contradicting the harsh rejection of the wicked as thorns in 2 Samuel 23:6.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5: Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, [vaunteth...: or, is not rash]

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in this verse could be the harsh treatment or rejection of certain people, which might contrast with themes of forgiveness, love, or acceptance found elsewhere in biblical teachings. It presents a scenario where certain individuals are seen negatively, which could conflict with more compassionate messages in other parts of the Bible.