Contradiction with Proverbs 13:21
Proverbs states that "evil pursueth sinners," suggesting that the wicked face inevitable punishment, unlike in Job where the wicked seem to evade such outcomes.
Proverbs 13:21: Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Contradiction with Proverbs 11:21
This verse promises that though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished, in contrast to Job's questioning of the wicked's evasion from punishment.
Proverbs 11:21: [Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Contradiction with Psalm 37:20
The Psalm states that the wicked shall perish and vanish like smoke, contrary to Job's observation of their prosperity and stability.
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
This verse asserts that it shall not be well with the wicked, in opposition to Job's depiction of the wicked often living untroubled lives.
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.
Contradiction with Malachi 4:1
Malachi warns that the wicked will burn and leave no root nor branch, while Job questions why this judgment seems delayed.
Malachi 4:1: For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
Paradox #1
The verse might seem to contradict other parts of the Bible that state the wicked will face certain punishment. Here, it may suggest that sometimes they avoid immediate consequences, which differs from the idea that they always quickly experience judgment.
Paradox #2
Job 21:18 discusses the wicked being blown away like straw in the wind, implying they will face consequences. The contradiction arises when contrasted with real-world observations or other biblical passages where wicked people sometimes seem to prosper and go unpunished. This can create confusion about the consistency of divine justice.