Contradiction with Exodus 34:7
This verse states that God will "by no means clear the guilty," which contrasts with the notion of eventual deliverance for the seed of the righteous in Proverbs 11:21.
Exodus 34:7: Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 8:14
Describes instances where the righteous suffer as if they are wicked, and the wicked prosper as if righteous, contradicting the principle of sure punishment for the wicked in Proverbs 11:21.
Ecclesiastes 8:14: There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just [men], unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked [men], to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also [is] vanity.
Contradiction with Job 21:7
Questions why the wicked live and prosper, seemingly unpunished, contradicting the assurance of punishment for the wicked in Proverbs 11:21.
Job 21:7: Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?
Contradiction with Psalm 73:3-7
Observes that the wicked often prosper and are free from common human burdens, contradicting the notion of them not going unpunished in Proverbs 11:21.
Psalm 73:3-7: For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 12:1
Complains about the prosperity of the wicked, which contradicts the certainty of their punishment in Proverbs 11:21.
Jeremiah 12:1: Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously? [talk...: or, reason the case with thee]
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:15
Notes that a wicked person can prolong his life, while a righteous person perishes, contradicting the assurance of punishment for the wicked in Proverbs 11:21.
Ecclesiastes 7:15: All [things] have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just [man] that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked [man] that prolongeth [his life] in his wickedness.
Paradox #1
Proverbs 11:21 suggests that evil people will not go unpunished. Some might see a contradiction with verses that emphasize forgiveness and the possibility of redemption, as these suggest that people can change and be forgiven regardless of past actions. This could create an inconsistency between justice and mercy.
Paradox #2
Some people might see a contradiction or inconsistency in Proverbs 11:21 when comparing it to real-life observations or other parts of the Bible. This verse talks about the idea of justice or outcomes for the wicked, but in reality, we can observe situations where people who do wrong seem to succeed or escape punishment. Additionally, other parts of the Bible, like the Book of Job, address the complexity of righteous and wicked people's experiences, suggesting that outcomes are not always immediate or as straightforward. This can create a tension between the proverb and real-world experiences or other biblical narratives.
Paradox #3
A contradiction in Proverbs 11:21 could arise from the belief in forgiveness and redemption. While the verse suggests that the wicked will be punished, the broader biblical message often includes themes of mercy and the possibility of transformation through repentance. This could conflict with the idea of inevitable punishment for wrongdoing.