Contradiction with Exodus 23:4-5
Deuteronomy 22:3 emphasizes returning lost property to your neighbor, while Exodus 23:4-5 extends the obligation to include helping your enemy with their lost or burdened animals, suggesting a broader application contrary to limiting it to neighbors.
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.
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction could involve the interpretation of personal responsibility and caring for others' property. In some contexts, this might seem at odds with verses that emphasize personal ownership and boundaries. However, the overall message encourages taking responsibility for one's community, which might seem inconsistent if other teachings place a strong focus on individual possessions.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in this verse could arise from its emphasis on returning lost property. While it promotes honesty and responsibility, it can conflict with situations where returning an item might not be straightforward or could cause harm to the person finding or holding the item. The principle of returning lost property assumes that it is always the right or moral thing to do, which may not account for all real-life complexities.