Contradiction with Matthew 16:28
While Luke 11:31 speaks of the Queen of the South rising in judgment against a generation, Matthew 16:28 suggests that some standing with Jesus will not taste death before witnessing the kingdom, implying a different focus on imminence and timing of divine events.
Matthew 16:28: Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Contradiction with Matthew 12:41
Luke 11:31 highlights the Queen of the South praising Solomon’s wisdom, while Matthew 12:41 centers on Nineveh's repentance at Jonah’s preaching, contrasting wisdom with repentance.
Matthew 12:41: The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here.
Contradiction with John 8:12
Luke 11:31 emphasizes the person of Solomon and his wisdom, whereas John 8:12 portrays Jesus as the light of the world, suggesting a shift from earthly wisdom to divine illumination.
John 8:12: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Contradiction with Luke 10:24
Luke 11:31 speaks of judgment and recognition by the Queen of the South; Luke 10:24 notes prophets and kings desiring to see what Jesus's disciples see, focusing on revelation rather than judgment.
Luke 10:24: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard [them].
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:22-24
Luke 11:31 speaks positively of seeking Solomon's wisdom, while 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 critiques the Greek pursuit of wisdom, emphasizing Christ crucified.
1 Corinthians 1:22-24: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 1:18
Luke 11:31 glorifies wisdom through Solomon, whereas Ecclesiastes 1:18 claims that in much wisdom is much grief, presenting a critique of earthly wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 1:18: For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
Contradiction with Acts 17:30
Luke 11:31 suggests judgment by the Queen of the South, while Acts 17:30 emphasizes God's overlooked ignorance in past generations, suggesting divine patience instead of immediate judgment.
Acts 17:30: And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Contradiction with James 3:15-17
Luke 11:31 honors Solomon's wisdom, while James contrasts earthly wisdom with the wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceable, and gentle, highlighting different sources of wisdom.
James 3:15-17: This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish. [sensual: or, natural]
Paradox #1
The theological issue some might see with Luke 11:31 is the comparison between Jesus and the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon. It could raise questions about the acknowledgment of gentile wisdom and their judgment over Israel, implying that Jesus' listeners were missing a greater wisdom than Solomon's. This might seem inconsistent with the exclusive covenantal relationship traditionally emphasized between God and Israel.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Luke 11:31 could revolve around the idea of judgment and fairness. If one sees the Queen of the South as justified in condemning a generation because of their actions, it may conflict with the concept of universal forgiveness and redemption often emphasized in Christian teachings. This can be seen as a tension between the just punishment of wrongdoing and the offer of forgiveness to all.