Contradiction with Proverbs 11:3
This verse emphasizes integrity and righteousness, which contradicts the deceitful and corrupt actions described in Judges 9:4.
Proverbs 11:3: The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Contradiction with Exodus 23:7
This verse instructs to avoid false charges and not kill the innocent, contrasting with the violent and deceitful acts associated with employing vain and light persons in Judges 9:4.
Exodus 23:7: Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
Contradiction with Isaiah 5:20
This verse warns against calling evil good, which contradicts the notion of using ill-gotten resources and evil individuals as seen in Judges 9:4.
Isaiah 5:20: Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! [call...: Heb. say concerning evil, It is good, etc]
Contradiction with Romans 12:17
This verse advises repayment of no one evil for evil and promotes integrity, contradicting the hiring of morally corrupt men in Judges 9:4.
Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Contradiction with Micah 6:8
This verse instructs to act justly and love mercy, opposing the unrighteous means and motives evident in Judges 9:4.
Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? [walk...: Heb. humble thyself to walk]
Contradiction with James 4:17
This verse states that failure to do good when one knows to do it is sin, conflicting with the wrongful acts funded by the silver in Judges 9:4.
James 4:17: Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.
Contradiction with Ephesians 4:28
This verse advises to work honestly and give rather than take through dishonest means, counteracting the hiring of men through illicit funds as in Judges 9:4.
Ephesians 4:28: Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. [to give: or, to distribute]
Paradox #1
Judges 9:4 involves a situation where funds gathered from a temple are misused for personal gain and malicious intent. A potential contradiction could be how religious resources, which were typically meant for worship or community service, are used inappropriately. This reflects inconsistency with traditional values of proper use of religious offerings or treasures for selfish or harmful purposes, conflicting with the usual moral and ethical guidelines presented in religious texts.
Paradox #2
The moral conflict in "Judges 9:4" could be seen in how money is used to hire reckless or immoral individuals to achieve personal or political goals. This raises questions about the ethical use of resources and the morality of actions taken for personal gain, even when they may harm others.