Contradiction with Proverbs 31:30
Esther 2:4 emphasizes physical beauty, whereas Proverbs 31:30 suggests that favor and beauty are vain, and a woman who fears the Lord deserves praise.
Proverbs 31:30: Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7
Esther 2:4 focuses on outward appearance, but 1 Samuel 16:7 teaches that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearance.
1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:3-4
Esther 2:4 highlights external beauty, whereas 1 Peter 3:3-4 emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and a quiet spirit.
1 Peter 3:3-4: Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Contradiction with Proverbs 11:22
Esther 2:4 places value on beauty, but Proverbs 11:22 warns against valuing beauty without discretion.
Proverbs 11:22: [As] a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, [so is] a fair woman which is without discretion. [is without: Heb. departeth from]
Paradox #1
The moral conflict in Esther 2:4 could involve the treatment and objectification of women. The process of selecting a new queen through a beauty contest may be viewed as reducing women to their physical appearance and status, which contradicts modern views on individual dignity and gender equality. This could be seen as conflicting with the moral ideal of treating all people with respect and without discrimination.