Contradiction with James 1:17
Malachi 2:3 suggests God causes misfortune, whereas James 1:17 emphasizes God as the source of good and perfect gifts.
James 1:17: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 29:11
Malachi 2:3 indicates a curse, while Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of God having plans to prosper and not to harm.
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. [expected...: Heb. end and expectation]
Contradiction with 1 John 4:8
Malachi 2:3 shows a punitive action by God, but 1 John 4:8 defines God as love.
1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Contradiction with Psalm 23:1
Malachi 2:3 implies lack via curse, while Psalm 23:1 suggests God's provision negates want.
Psalm 23:1: [A Psalm of David.] The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.
Contradiction with Lamentations 3:22-23
Malachi 2:3 talks about rebuke and punishment, whereas Lamentations 3:22-23 highlights God's mercies and compassion.
Lamentations 3:22-23: [It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
Malachi 2:3 can be seen as immediate punishment, while 2 Peter 3:9 emphasizes God's patience and desire for repentance rather than punishment.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Contradiction with Matthew 11:28-29
Malachi 2:3 focuses on burden and curse, but Matthew 11:28-29 invites the weary to find rest and light burdens with Jesus.
Matthew 11:28-29: Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Contradiction with John 10:10
Malachi 2:3 describes destruction, while John 10:10 declares Jesus’ intent to give abundant life.
John 10:10: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.
Contradiction with Zephaniah 3:17
Malachi 2:3 speaks of rebuke and curses, yet Zephaniah 3:17 highlights God rejoicing over people with gladness.
Zephaniah 3:17: The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. [rest: Heb. be silent]
Contradiction with Psalm 145:9
Malachi 2:3 speaks of a curse from God, whereas Psalm 145:9 proclaims His goodness to all.
Psalm 145:9: The LORD [is] good to all: and his tender mercies [are] over all his works.
Paradox #1
Malachi 2:3 contains imagery and language that can seem harsh or shocking, especially when considered alongside the more compassionate messages found elsewhere in the Bible. This contrast can create a perceived inconsistency between the stern warnings in Malachi and the themes of love and forgiveness emphasized in other parts of scripture.