Contradiction with Genesis 22:2
This verse describes God commanding Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, which contrasts with regarding the life of one's charges as noted in Proverbs 12:10, as it involves the potential harm or killing of a beloved one.
Genesis 22:2: And he said, Take now thy son, thine only [son] Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
Contradiction with Leviticus 1:10
The description of animal sacrifice as an accepted practice contrasts with Proverbs 12:10's implication of caring for animal life, as it involves the routine killing of animals.
Leviticus 1:10: And if his offering [be] of the flocks, [namely], of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.
Contradiction with Matthew 8:32
In this verse, Jesus permits demons to enter a herd of pigs, resulting in their destruction. This action can be seen as contradictory to Proverbs 12:10 regarding the care of animal life.
Matthew 8:32: And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
Contradiction with Exodus 12:5-6
The instruction for the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb during Passover is at odds with the regard for animal life promoted in Proverbs 12:10.
Exodus 12:5-6: Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take [it] out from the sheep, or from the goats: [of...: Heb. son of a year]
Contradiction with Acts 10:13
Peter is commanded to kill and eat animals in a vision, contrasting the underlying principle in Proverbs 12:10 of valuing animal life.
Acts 10:13: And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
Contradiction with Genesis 4:4
Abel offers the firstlings of his flock as a sacrifice to God, highlighting a practice of animal killing that contradicts the tender regard for life in Proverbs 12:10.
Genesis 4:4: And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: [flock: Heb. sheep, or, goats]
Paradox #1
Proverbs 12:10 emphasizes kindness towards animals. The potential contradiction arises when this is compared to other parts of the Bible where animal sacrifices are commanded. This could seem inconsistent, as one part promotes care for animals, while another permits their sacrifice. However, some argue that the context and purpose of these actions differ, with sacrifices being a form of worship and the verse advocating general kindness.
Paradox #2
Some people see a contradiction between the treatment of animals described in Proverbs 12:10, which encourages kind treatment, and other parts of the Bible where animals are used for sacrifices. This might seem inconsistent to those who expect a unified approach to the ethical treatment of animals throughout the text.
Paradox #3
Proverbs 12:10 talks about caring for animals, suggesting that righteous people treat animals well. Some see a contradiction when comparing this to other parts of the Bible where animal sacrifices are described, questioning how caring for animals aligns with sacrificing them.