Contradiction with Proverbs 15:1
Ephesians 4:29 advises building others up and avoiding corrupt communication, while Proverbs 15:1 suggests that a soft answer turns away wrath but implies that harsh words can be necessary at times.
Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:7
Ephesians 4:29 promotes edifying speech, but Ecclesiastes 3:7 mentions a time to keep silence, suggesting sometimes it might not be appropriate to always speak even if it's edifying.
Ecclesiastes 3:7: A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
Contradiction with James 3:8
Ephesians 4:29 discourages corrupt communication, whereas James 3:8 says no man can tame the tongue, acknowledging the difficulty, if not impossibility, of adhering to this standard completely.
James 3:8: But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Contradiction with Proverbs 18:21
Ephesians 4:29 emphasizes avoiding corrupt communication, while Proverbs 18:21 states death and life are in the power of the tongue, implying the complex and potent nature of speech beyond simply good or bad.
Proverbs 18:21: Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 10:12
Ephesians 4:29 encourages edifying words, whereas Ecclesiastes 10:12 acknowledges that the words of the wise are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him, suggesting even generally good words can have negative effects.
Ecclesiastes 10:12: The words of a wise man's mouth [are] gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. [gracious: Heb. grace]
Paradox #1
Ephesians 4:29 emphasizes speaking positively and constructively, which might seem inconsistent with other biblical passages where harsh or negative speech is used, such as when prophets deliver judgments or Jesus rebukes others. The apparent contradiction lies in balancing speaking truthfully and urgently when needed with the mandate to always speak constructively.