Contradiction with Proverbs 13:9
The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out, indicating divine intervention in punishing the wicked, which contradicts Job's observation of the wicked's prosperity.
Proverbs 13:9: The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. [lamp: or, candle]
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:20
For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out, suggesting the ultimate downfall of the wicked, contrary to Job's lament about their continued success.
Proverbs 24:20: For there shall be no reward to the evil [man]; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. [candle: or, lamp]
Contradiction with Psalm 37:20
But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away, indicating a clear fate of destruction for the wicked, unlike Job 21:17.
Psalm 37:20: But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD [shall be] as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. [the fat: Heb. the preciousness]
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 8:13
But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God, which is in direct opposition to Job's view of the prosperity of the wicked.
Ecclesiastes 8:13: But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong [his] days, [which are] as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.
Paradox #1
Job 21:17 might seem inconsistent with some other parts of the Bible that suggest the wicked are always punished by God. In this verse, Job is questioning why the wicked often appear to prosper without immediate punishment, while other parts of the Bible say evil deeds are swiftly punished by God. Thus, the contradiction arises between the immediate and inevitable punishment of the wicked.
Paradox #2
The verse questions why punishment seems delayed for the wicked, which might conflict with the idea of immediate justice. This inconsistency makes it seem like bad people aren't held accountable quickly enough for their actions, creating confusion about the fairness of divine justice.