Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse instructs to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, which contradicts Jeremiah 18:20 where Jeremiah asks for retribution against those who have dug a pit for his soul.
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 12:19
This verse advises not to seek revenge but leave it to God's wrath, contradicting Jeremiah 18:20 where Jeremiah pleads for retribution against his adversaries.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17-18
These verses advise not to rejoice when your enemy falls or stumbles, which contradicts Jeremiah's desire for justice and retribution against his enemies in Jeremiah 18:20.
Proverbs 24:17-18: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency in Jeremiah 18:20 could arise when considering the broader biblical themes of justice and mercy. The verse might seem to contradict the idea that good actions should be met with good outcomes and not evil. This tension might challenge the belief that God is always fair and rewarding to the righteous. However, this can be reconciled by understanding the broader narrative of God using difficult situations for a greater purpose or testing faithfulness.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 18:20 could raise a moral conflict because it shows a situation where good intentions and actions are met with harm or betrayal. Jeremiah is protesting that despite speaking and doing good for the people, they plan to harm him in return. This can be seen as a conflict between the expectation of receiving good for good and the reality of experiencing evil despite good deeds, highlighting the inconsistency between moral actions and outcomes.