Contradiction with Exodus 21:23-25
This passage promotes the idea of "an eye for an eye," which contradicts the instruction in Matthew 5:43 to love your enemies.
Exodus 21:23-25: And if [any] mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Contradiction with Leviticus 24:19-20
Similar to Exodus 21:23-25, this law advocates for retributive justice, opposing the message of loving one's enemies found in Matthew 5:43.
Leviticus 24:19-20: And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 19:21
This verse echoes the "eye for an eye" principle, contrasting with the directive to love enemies in Matthew 5:43.
Deuteronomy 19:21: And thine eye shall not pity; [but] life [shall go] for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Contradiction with Psalm 139:21-22
These verses express hatred for enemies, which contrasts with the command to love one’s enemies in Matthew 5:43.
Psalm 139:21-22: Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17
Advises against rejoicing in the downfall of an enemy, suggesting a more nuanced view but still contrasting with the proactive love urged in Matthew 5:43.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21-22
While advising to feed your enemy, it implies doing so will "heap coals of fire" on them, indirectly addressing enemy relations but still differing from the unconditional love mentioned in Matthew 5:43.
Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Paradox #1
Matthew 5:43 talks about loving your neighbor and hating your enemy. The contradiction or conflict here might be that nowhere in the earlier scriptures of the Old Testament does it explicitly command to "hate your enemy." This could be seen as an interpretation or practice that developed over time rather than a direct scriptural command, leading to a possible inconsistency with earlier teachings.
Paradox #2
A contradiction might arise from the idea that people are often taught to seek justice or retribution against enemies, but the verse encourages love for enemies instead. This can seem inconsistent with natural human instincts for self-preservation or societal norms of justice.