Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
While Lamentations 4:15 depicts avoiding and shunning, this verse teaches to love and pray for your enemies.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Luke 6:36-37
Lamentations 4:15 shows avoidance, but these verses emphasize mercy and refraining from judgment.
Luke 6:36-37: Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Contradiction with Romans 12:20
Contrasts with Lamentations 4:15's avoidance by encouraging feeding and caring for your enemy.
Romans 12:20: Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21
Opposes the shunning in Lamentations 4:15 by advising to provide for your enemy's needs.
Proverbs 25:21: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Contradiction with James 2:8-9
While Lamentations suggests exclusion, these verses promote loving your neighbor and avoiding favoritism.
James 2:8-9: If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
Paradox #1
Lamentations 4:15 could present a contradiction or conflict in terms of social exclusion or segregation. It describes a situation where people are told to stay away, which might be seen as contradicting messages of inclusion or compassion found in other parts of the Bible. This raises questions about how to balance punishment or cleanliness rituals with love and acceptance.