Contradiction with Exodus 21:23-25
These verses endorse the principle of "an eye for an eye," suggesting harm should be returned with equivalent harm, which contradicts Proverbs 11:17's emphasis on mercy.
Exodus 21:23-25: And if [any] mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Contradiction with Matthew 5:38-39
Jesus instructs to not resist an evil person and to turn the other cheek, which might imply accepting harm, unlike the beneficial outcome of empathy in Proverbs 11:17.
Matthew 5:38-39: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Contradiction with Matthew 10:34
Jesus states he came not to bring peace, but a sword, which contrasts the peaceful and rewarding nature of merciful actions described in Proverbs 11:17.
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 Psalm 137:8-9
These verses speak of avenging and seeking harm to one's enemies, which contradicts the merciful and kind behavior that brings benefits to oneself as advocated in Proverbs 11:17.
Psalm 137:8-9: O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy [shall he be], that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. [destroyed: Heb. wasted] [rewardeth...: Heb. recompenseth unto thee thy deed which thou didst to us]
Contradiction with Genesis 34:25-26
Simeon and Levi taking violent revenge for their sister's defilement contradicts the principle of kindness and mercy leading to favor in Proverbs 11:17.
Genesis 34:25-26: And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 19:21
The law of retaliation ("eye for eye, tooth for tooth") contradicts the notion of mercy and kindness bringing welfare in Proverbs 11:17.
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 1 Samuel 15:32-33
Samuel executing Agag showcases a lack of mercy directly opposed to the deliverance and kindness benefit represented in Proverbs 11:17.
1 Samuel 15:32-33: Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past.
Contradiction with Joshua 6:21
The total destruction of Jericho, including all living things, contradicts the merciful approach which is advantageous, as per Proverbs 11:17.
Joshua 6:21: And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 2:23-24
Elisha cursing the youths who mocked him, resulting in them being mauled by bears, contrasts with the beneficial outcomes of kindness and mercy in Proverbs 11:17.
2 Kings 2:23-24: And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
Paradox #1
This verse encourages kindness and suggests that kindness benefits oneself. The contradiction could arise if someone interprets this idea to mean that acts of kindness should be motivated by self-interest rather than genuine empathy or altruism. This could lead to actions that are outwardly kind but are primarily done for personal gain, potentially undermining the sincerity of benevolent acts.