Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Teaches love and prayer for enemies, contradicting the notion of trampling on the wicked.
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 Ezekiel 18:23
Emphasizes God's desire for the wicked to turn from their ways and live, rather than be destroyed.
Ezekiel 18:23: Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Urges believers not to seek vengeance, leaving it to God, contrasting with taking action against the wicked.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17
Advises against rejoicing when enemies fall, conflicting with rejoicing over treading down the wicked.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with Luke 6:27-28
Instructs to love enemies and do good to those who hate you, opposing the act of trodding on them.
Luke 6:27-28: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Paradox #1
Some people might see a contradiction with the idea of a loving and merciful God when reading about the destruction of the wicked. It can seem inconsistent with the message of forgiveness and compassion found in other parts of the Bible. However, others interpret it as a demonstration of justice against evil. Ultimately, interpretations can vary.
Paradox #2
Malachi 4:3 talks about the triumph of righteousness over wickedness. A contradiction or inconsistency could be the differing interpretations of justice and punishment across various cultures and religious traditions. Some people might find it conflicting with more peaceful or forgiving teachings in the New Testament or other parts of the Bible.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction in Malachi 4:3 could be related to the difference between spiritual or metaphorical expressions and scientific reality. The verse implies an event or action that might not be possible or observable in a literal, physical sense according to scientific understanding. However, since spiritual texts often use symbolic language, interpreting them scientifically might not align with their intended meaning. Thus, the inconsistency lies in taking literally what is meant to convey a spiritual or moral lesson.
Paradox #4
Malachi 4:3 might be seen as morally contradictory because it talks about the righteous triumphing over the wicked in a very harsh way, which can conflict with teachings of love, forgiveness, and compassion found elsewhere in the Bible.