Contradiction with Numbers 22:18
Numbers 22:18 contradicts 22:17 because Balaam emphasizes that even a house full of silver and gold cannot persuade him to go against God's command.
Numbers 22:18: And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.
Contradiction with Numbers 22:31
This verse shows that Balaam's journey, motivated by the promise in 22:17, is halted by the divine intervention, emphasizing God's will over Balaam's intentions.
Numbers 22:31: Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. [fell...: or, bowed himself]
Contradiction with Numbers 23:19
This verse declares that God is not a man that He should lie or repent, contradicting Balaam's willingness to consider fulfilling Balak's request in 22:17.
Numbers 23:19: God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Contradiction with Numbers 24:13
Balaam reaffirms his stance that no promise of riches could persuade him to go beyond God's word, contradicting Balak's offer of great reward in 22:17.
Numbers 24:13: If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do [either] good or bad of mine own mind; [but] what the LORD saith, that will I speak?
Contradiction with Proverbs 15:27
This verse states that greed for gain troubles one's house, presenting a moral contradiction to the wealth offer made to Balaam in 22:17.
Proverbs 15:27: He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:24
Jesus teaches that one cannot serve both God and money, contradicting the proposal in 22:17 where wealth is used as a motivator for action.
Matthew 6:24: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Paradox #1
The moral conflict in this verse can be seen in the attempt to use wealth and power to manipulate or curse others, which contrasts with moral teachings about integrity, fairness, and trust in God's will. This highlights a tension between human desires and divine intentions.