Proverbs 11:24 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Solomon, when you share what you have with others, you can become richer, but if you hold on too tightly to your things, you might end up with less. It's like magic seeds—the more you give away, the more they grow!

Contradiction with Proverbs 13:11

This verse suggests that wealth gained dishonestly will dwindle, contrasting with the notion in Proverbs 11:24 of becoming richer by scattering.

Proverbs 13:11: Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. [by labour: Heb. with the hand]

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 5:10

Here, it states that whoever loves money will never be satisfied, contradicting the idea of gaining more by giving more.

Ecclesiastes 5:10: He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this [is] also vanity.

Contradiction with Matthew 6:19-20

Advises storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which contrasts with Proverbs 11:24's notion of earthly scattering leading to increase.

Matthew 6:19-20: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Contradiction with James 5:1-3

Warns the rich about the misery that wealth will bring, which contradicts the idea of becoming richer through giving.

James 5:1-3: Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].

Paradox #1

Proverbs 11:24 discusses the idea of generosity and its positive outcomes versus hoarding and its negative effects. A perceived contradiction could arise when comparing this with teachings that emphasize personal stewardship or wise management of resources, suggesting a potential conflict between being freely generous and being prudent or saving. However, these teachings can often be reconciled when viewed in a broader context where both generosity and wisdom in resource management are valued.

Paradox #2

The verse talks about generosity leading to more gain and withholding leading to poverty. The contradiction might arise from a scientific or economic perspective. Generally, in economics, saving and accumulating resources are seen as ways to build wealth, whereas giving away resources would reduce personal wealth. This idea conflicts with the verse's message that giving leads to prosperity.

Paradox #3

Proverbs 11:24 talks about the idea that giving freely can lead to having more, while holding back can lead to poverty. The contradiction here could be seen in the idea that typically, we think saving or keeping resources would make one wealthier, not poorer. This can seem inconsistent with everyday experiences where people expect holding onto resources to naturally increase one's wealth.