Contradiction with Proverbs 26:4
Matthew 10:16 advises to be wise and harmless, while Proverbs 26:4 suggests not answering fools, which can be seen as avoiding interaction to maintain peace.
Proverbs 26:4: Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Contradiction with Proverbs 26:5
Instead of avoiding conflict, this verse suggests directly answering a fool to prevent self-conceit, which contrasts with the strategy in Matthew 10:16.
Proverbs 26:5: Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. [conceit: Heb. eyes]
Contradiction with Matthew 10:34
This verse directly states the intention to bring division, not peace, whereas Matthew 10:16 promotes a peaceful and wise demeanor.
Matthew 10:34: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Contradiction with Luke 10:19
Offers authority over adversities, implying a more assertive approach than the gentle one advised in Matthew 10:16.
Luke 10:19: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Contradiction with John 2:15
Describes Jesus making a whip and clearing the temple, which contradicts the harmless and peaceful approach suggested in Matthew 10:16.
John 2:15: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 14:20
Encourages being mature in understanding, which can imply a more confrontational wisdom, contrasting the innocent aspect in Matthew 10:16.
1 Corinthians 14:20: Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. [men: Gr. perfect, or, of a ripe age]
Contradiction with James 3:17
Discusses wisdom as being peaceable and gentle, aligning more completely with Matthew 10:16, yet can contradict in its broader call for mercy and straightforward good conduct.
James 3:17: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [partiality: or, wrangling]
Paradox #1
The verse suggests being both shrewd and innocent, which some people see as conflicting traits. It might seem contradictory to be wise in a cunning way while also being harmless. However, others interpret it as needing a balance between being aware and being good-hearted.
Paradox #2
The potential doctrinal inconsistency in that verse could be the tension between being gentle and wise while being sent into a situation that may require strength and boldness. Some might see a conflict between the advice to be shrewd and innocent at the same time, as these traits could seem opposing in certain situations. However, many interpret it as a balance of being thoughtful and cautious while maintaining integrity and purity.
Paradox #3
Some people might see a contradiction with the verse advising to be both "shrewd" and "innocent." Being shrewd can mean being clever and tactical, which might conflict with the idea of remaining pure and without deceit. Balancing these two characteristics could seem contradictory because they pull in different ethical directions.
Paradox #4
One potential contradiction or inconsistency in the verse could be the challenge of balancing two seemingly opposite qualities: being "wise" or shrewd and being "innocent" or gentle. In practical situations, being shrewd might involve strategies that do not always align with being gentle and harmless, creating a conflict in how one should behave.