Contradiction with Luke 3:5
This verse reiterates the prophecy of Isaiah 40:4, rather than contradicting it.
Luke 3:5: Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways [shall be] made smooth;
Contradiction with Proverbs 14:12
Contradicts by suggesting that human understanding leads to outcomes unlike the transformation described in Isaiah.
Proverbs 14:12: There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 23:16
Warns against following prophecies that aren't from God, potentially contradicting uplifting messages like in Isaiah 40:4.
Jeremiah 23:16: Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, [and] not out of the mouth of the LORD.
Contradiction with Job 14:1
Suggests life is full of trouble and does not hint towards the smoothing or leveling described in Isaiah 40:4.
Job 14:1: Man [that is] born of a woman [is] of few days, and full of trouble. [few...: Heb. short of days]
Contradiction with Matthew 7:13-14
Contrasts with Isaiah 40:4 by indicating that the path to life is difficult and narrow, not easy and made plain.
Matthew 7:13-14: Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: [strait: or, narrow]
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 1:15
Implies that some things cannot be straightened, contradicting the assertion of making paths straight in Isaiah 40:4.
Ecclesiastes 1:15: [That which is] crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. [that which is wanting: Heb. defect]
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction in interpreting Isaiah 40:4 could be the perception of fairness versus divine intervention. The verse suggests changes that might benefit some but not others, raising questions about why divine intervention would alter circumstances for a specific group while potentially ignoring others who are also in need. This can lead to questions about the fairness of unequal divine actions.