Contradiction with Matthew 10:37
This verse suggests that allegiance to Christ should take precedence over familial relationships or fear.
Matthew 10:37: He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:5
This verse emphasizes the curse of relying on humans or anything other than God, which can be seen as contradicting the idea that fear of the Lord grants strong confidence.
Jeremiah 17:5: Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
Contradiction with 1 John 4:18
This verse indicates that perfect love casts out fear, suggesting that having fear, even of the Lord, is not in line with perfect love.
1 John 4:18: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Contradiction with Luke 14:26
This verse requires one to prioritize Christ even over family, implying that fear of the Lord may not directly protect one's children.
Luke 14:26: If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Contradiction with Romans 8:15
This verse indicates that believers have not received a spirit of fear, which contradicts the concept of fearing the Lord for confidence.
Romans 8:15: For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 1:7
This verse suggests that Christians are given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, not fear, which might contradict the notion of fear being beneficial.
2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:22
This verse warns against placing fear or trust in mankind, contrasting the idea that fear can be a form of confidence.
Isaiah 2:22: Cease ye from man, whose breath [is] in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict might arise if one interprets the verse as promoting fear as a means to gain security or protection, which may seem inconsistent with teachings that highlight love and trust over fear. Some might see it as contradictory to messages that encourage unconditional love and acceptance without fear.