Contradiction with Isaiah 49:15
This verse speaks of a mother's unwavering compassion and care for her child, which contrasts with the depiction of cruelty in Lamentations 4:3.
Isaiah 49:15: Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. [that...: Heb. from having compassion]
Contradiction with Psalm 103:13
This verse describes God's compassion as like that of a father, highlighting a nurturing care that is not shown in Lamentations 4:3.
Psalm 103:13: Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
Contradiction with Matthew 7:11
Jesus teaches that even humans, though flawed, know how to give good gifts to their children, which contrasts with the lack of maternal care implied in Lamentations 4:3.
Matthew 7:11: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Contradiction with Isaiah 66:13
This verse depicts comfort as a key aspect of maternal behavior, which contradicts the neglectful behavior mentioned in Lamentations 4:3.
Isaiah 66:13: As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
Contradiction with Luke 11:11-12
These verses emphasize the expectation that a father will not give harmful items to his child, which opposes the negative behavior described in Lamentations 4:3.
Luke 11:11-12: If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if [he ask] a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
Contradiction with Proverbs 31:20
This verse highlights the virtues of a caring and compassionate woman, which is the opposite behavior illustrated in Lamentations 4:3.
Proverbs 31:20: She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. [She...: Heb. She spreadeth]
Contradiction with Hosea 11:4
This verse describes God's loving guidance akin to that of a mother, contrasting with the lack of compassion shown in Lamentations 4:3.
Hosea 11:4: I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them. [take off: Heb. lift up]
Paradox #1
Lamentations 4:3 might seem to suggest a contradiction in the portrayal of God's nurturing nature because it compares the cruelty of certain people to the care given even by wild animals to their young. This could conflict with passages suggesting humans are made in God's image and thus should reflect His compassion and mercy. The apparent inconsistency lies in the comparison of human behavior unfavorably to animals, which might seem at odds with the ideal human conduct as described in other parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
Lamentations 4:3 is often discussed in terms of its metaphorical language, comparing the behavior of certain groups of people to that of animals. A perceived contradiction may arise when comparing this to other biblical passages that emphasize the superiority or dignity of humans over animals. The inconsistency lies in the portrayal of certain actions or behaviors as being less than human or animal-like, despite other scriptures highlighting human beings as created in the image of God.
Paradox #3
Lamentations 4:3 mentions wild animals caring for their young, while implying that people in the described situation are less compassionate. The contradiction might be seen in the idea that humans, who are typically considered to be more advanced and moral beings, are behaving worse than animals. This can raise questions about human nature and moral responsibility.