Contradiction with Romans 12:17
Romans 12:17 promotes not repaying evil for evil, aligning with forgiving wrongdoing, which contrasts Proverbs 17:13's implication of reciprocating evil with further evil.
Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Matthew 5:44 encourages loving and doing good to enemies, opposite to Proverbs 17:13's tone on rewarding evil with evil.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:9
1 Peter 3:9 advises against repaying evil for evil, which contradicts Proverbs 17:13's implication of perpetuating evil by rewarding it.
1 Peter 3:9: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Contradiction with Proverbs 20:22
Proverbs 20:22 suggests waiting for the Lord's deliverance rather than repaying evil, contrasting with the idea of returning evil in Proverbs 17:13.
Proverbs 20:22: Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Contradiction with Luke 6:27
Luke 6:27 calls for doing good to those who hate you, unlike Proverbs 17:13, which implies responding to evil with evil.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Paradox #1
Proverbs 17:13 warns about returning evil for good, suggesting that trouble will come to those who do. Theological tension might arise when comparing this to scriptures that emphasize forgiveness and turning the other cheek, as these urge responding to wrongs with kindness and forgiveness, not with a belief that trouble will befall wrongdoers. This could seem inconsistent with the idea of always responding with good rather than expecting negative consequences for harmful actions.
Paradox #2
Proverbs 17:13 suggests that returning evil for good leads to trouble. A possible moral inconsistency could arise when considering the concept of forgiveness and turning the other cheek, as found in other biblical teachings. This verse may seem to conflict with the idea of responding to harm with kindness, suggesting instead that negative consequences are inevitable when one does not reciprocate goodness.