Contradiction with Psalm 37:1-2
These verses advise against envying wrongdoers, promising their eventual demise, contrasting Malachi 3:15's observation of the prospering wicked.
Psalm 37:1-2: [[A Psalm] of David.] Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
Contradiction with Psalm 73:3-19
While initially observing the prosperity of the wicked, the psalm ultimately reveals their downfall, opposing Malachi 3:15's implication of their advantage.
Psalm 73:3-19: For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Contradiction with Proverbs 11:21
This verse asserts that the wicked will not go unpunished, contrasting with the notion of evildoers being set up in Malachi 3:15.
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 Proverbs 13:21
It emphasizes that evil pursues sinners, contradicting the idea of the wicked being delivered as suggested in Malachi 3:15.
Proverbs 13:21: Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 8:12-13
Although sinners might do evil a hundred times and prolong their days, these verses state it will not ultimately be well with them, opposing Malachi 3:15's implications.
Ecclesiastes 8:12-13: Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his [days] be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:
Contradiction with Isaiah 3:11
Declares woe unto the wicked and predicts calamity, contrasting Malachi 3:15's perspective of their success.
Isaiah 3:11: Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. [given...: Heb. done to him]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 12:1-3
While questioning why the wicked prosper, it ultimately calls for divine retribution on them, challenging Malachi 3:15.
Jeremiah 12:1-3: 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 Matthew 5:5
Promises the meek shall inherit the earth, opposing the notion of evildoers being elevated found in Malachi 3:15.
Matthew 5:5: Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Contradiction with Romans 2:9
Warns of tribulation and anguish upon every soul that does evil, countering the Malachi 3:15 perspective of the wicked's prosperity.
Romans 2:9: Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; [Gentile: Gr. Greek]
Contradiction with James 5:1-3
Predicts misery upon the rich and unjust, contradicting Malachi 3:15's observation of the wicked being delivered.
James 5:1-3: Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict in Malachi 3:15 could be the observation that sometimes people who do wrong are successful and seem to be rewarded, which might seem unfair or at odds with the idea that doing good leads to blessings. This can be confusing for those who believe that morality should directly correlate with success or punishment.