Contradiction with Proverbs 11:21
While Lamentations 1:18 acknowledges the Lord's righteousness in allowing suffering, Proverbs 11:21 emphasizes that the wicked will not go unpunished, suggesting justice beyond suffering.
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 Job 21:7-9
These verses in Job observe how the wicked often prosper without immediate consequences, contrasting with Lamentations 1:18's implication of just reward for actions.
Job 21:7-9: Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 8:14
Ecclesiastes notes the existence of vanity where the just suffer as if they were wicked, whereas Lamentations 1:18 attributes suffering to sin and divine justice.
Ecclesiastes 8:14: There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just [men], unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked [men], to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also [is] vanity.
Contradiction with Psalm 73:3-12
The psalmist laments the prosperity of the wicked, which contradicts Lamentations 1:18 by not aligning with the direct relationship between sin and suffering.
Psalm 73:3-12: For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 12:1
Jeremiah questions why the wicked prosper, contrasting with the understanding in Lamentations 1:18 of righteousness in the Lord’s judgments.
Jeremiah 12:1: Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously? [talk...: or, reason the case with thee]
Contradiction with Malachi 2:17
People claim that the wicked are good in the eyes of the Lord, contradicting the premise in Lamentations 1:18 of divine justice and righteousness in punishment.
Malachi 2:17: Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied [him]? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil [is] good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where [is] the God of judgment?
Paradox #1
Lamentations 1:18 speaks about the righteousness of God and the acknowledgment of sin by the people. A potential contradiction could arise for some readers when considering the notion of suffering and punishment: if God is righteous and loving, why must people endure suffering as a consequence for their actions, especially when it affects innocent individuals or communities? This can lead to a conflict between understanding divine justice and human perspectives on fairness and mercy.