Contradictions and Paradoxes in Proverbs 10:23

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Proverbs 10:23 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Proverbs 10:23. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Proverbs, doing bad things is like a game for someone who doesn't act wisely, but a wise person thinks carefully and knows what is right.

Proverbs 10:23: [It is] as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:4

This verse suggests that the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, contrasting with the notion of engaging in foolishness or mischief indicated in Proverbs 10:23.

Ecclesiastes 7:4: The heart of the wise [is] in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools [is] in the house of mirth.

Contradiction with Galatians 6:7

It warns that whatever a man sows, that he will also reap, implying that engaging in mischief will lead to serious consequences, contradicting the notion of foolishness being perceived as sport.

Galatians 6:7: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Contradiction with James 1:22

This verse advises being doers of the word and not hearers only, contrasting with deriving pleasure from foolishness or folly.

James 1:22: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 13:11

This verse discusses putting away childish things, contrasting with treating folly as sport, a more immature perspective.

1 Corinthians 13:11: When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. [thought: or, reasoned] [put away: Gr. vanish away]

Contradiction with Proverbs 14:16

This verse states that the wise fear and depart from evil, contrary to making folly a source of amusement.

Proverbs 14:16: A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

Contradiction with Proverbs 26:18-19

It describes a man who deceives his neighbor and claims he is joking, indirectly warning against engaging in foolish behavior for amusement.

Proverbs 26:18-19: As a mad [man] who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, [firebrands: Heb. flames, or, sparks]

Paradox #1

The potential conflict might arise from the idea that finding joy in wrongdoing could contradict the biblical encouragement for righteous living and wisdom. While the verse highlights the behavior of fools, it might seem at odds with teachings that promote repentance and transformation rather than finding delight in misdeeds. However, the verse mainly serves to contrast wise and foolish behavior rather than promoting wrongdoing.

Paradox #2

Proverbs 10:23 discusses the contrast between foolish and wise behavior. A moral conflict might arise if someone finds pleasure or humor in wrongdoing while expecting others to be honest and upright. This inconsistency highlights the gap between one's actions and societal moral standards, where enjoyment in negative actions contradicts the value of integrity.

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