Contradiction with Proverbs 26:4
Contradicts by advising not to answer a fool according to his folly, implying sometimes harsh words may be necessary rather than a soft answer.
Proverbs 26:4: Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:7
Suggests there's a time to keep silence and a time to speak, indicating that a soft answer may not always be appropriate.
Ecclesiastes 3:7: A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
Contradiction with Matthew 21:12-13
Describes Jesus driving out the money changers with force, showing an instance where a soft answer was not used.
Matthew 21:12-13: And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
Contradiction with John 2:15
Jesus made a whip of cords and drove them all out, again illustrating a scenario where a gentle response was not enacted.
John 2:15: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
Contradiction with Galatians 2:11
Paul confronts Peter to his face, suggesting that direct and potentially harsh words were necessary.
Galatians 2:11: But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
Contradiction with Exodus 32:19-20
Moses breaks the tablets in anger, indicating that a soft response was not used in this situation.
Exodus 32:19-20: And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.
Paradox #1
Proverbs 15:1 encourages gentle responses to avoid anger. A contradiction might arise if someone believes in using assertiveness or confrontation to address injustice or wrongdoing. They might see this verse as conflicting with the idea of standing up boldly in certain situations.