Contradiction with Psalm 103:10
This verse suggests that God does not punish us according to our sins, which contrasts with Job 8:4 indicating that Job's children were punished for their transgressions.
Psalm 103:10: He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
This verse states that a person will only bear their own sin, not the sin of others, contradicting the implication in Job 8:4 that Job's children were punished because of their own sin.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with John 9:3
This verse notes that neither the man nor his parents sinned to cause his blindness, suggesting that suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin, countering the implication in Job 8:4.
John 9:3: Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
Paradox #1
Job 8:4 might be seen as inconsistent because it suggests that suffering, like that experienced by Job's children, can be a result of one's sin. This conflicts with other parts of the Bible that emphasize the idea of innocent suffering or that are against the notion that all suffering is directly due to personal sin, such as the story of the blind man in John 9:1-3 where Jesus points out that the man's blindness was not due to his sin or his parents' sin.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency might come from the harsh nature of the statement, which suggests that children suffered due to their own actions, conflicting with other parts of the Bible that emphasize God's mercy and justice. This could create tension with teachings that underscore compassion and forgiveness.
Paradox #3
Job 8:4 can present a contradiction or conflict because it suggests that children can suffer as a result of their parents' sins. This idea may conflict with modern views on justice and individual responsibility, where people believe that individuals should not be punished for the actions of others, especially not their parents.