Contradiction with Proverbs 28:20
This verse indicates that being hasty to be rich is permissible, contrasting with Proverbs 16:8, which suggests it’s better to have little with righteousness.
Proverbs 28:20: A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. [innocent: or, unpunished]
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:12
This verse suggests that wisdom, which is often associated with wealth, is a defense, contradicting the notion that a little with righteousness is preferable.
Ecclesiastes 7:12: For wisdom [is] a defence, [and] money [is] a defence: but the excellency of knowledge [is, that] wisdom giveth life to them that have it. [defence: Heb. shadow]
Contradiction with Matthew 25:29
This verse implies that those who have abundance are rewarded with even more, conflicting with the idea that having little with righteousness is better.
Matthew 25:29: For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Contradiction with Luke 8:18
This verse implies that having abundance is a condition for receiving more, which stands against the principle that having little with righteousness is better.
Luke 8:18: Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. [seemeth...: or, thinketh that he hath]
Contradiction with Mark 4:25
This verse suggests that those who have, more will be given, implying that having much is preferable to having little with righteousness.
Mark 4:25: For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
Contradiction with Luke 19:26
This verse promotes the idea of abundance and gaining more, which contradicts the preference for having little with righteousness as stated in Proverbs 16:8.
Luke 19:26: For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
Paradox #1
The verse suggests that having a little with righteousness is better than having a lot but with injustice. A potential contradiction might arise when considering other parts of the Bible that seem to show wealthy, yet righteous figures, like Solomon or Job, who were blessed despite their wealth. This can seem inconsistent with the idea that having more might imply a lack of righteousness. However, the contradiction can be resolved by understanding that the focus is on the manner in which wealth is attained and used, rather than the mere possession of wealth.
Paradox #2
A possible contradiction or conflict in the verse is the idea that less wealth with honesty is better than more wealth with injustice. This can conflict with societal values that often prioritize financial success and material wealth, suggesting that being poor but honest is not necessarily the best approach in a society that values economic prosperity.