Contradiction with Matthew 10:34
Jesus states He came not to bring peace, but a sword, suggesting that conflict might sometimes be necessary.
Matthew 10:34: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:8
States there is a time for war and a time for peace, suggesting that conflict can be appropriate in certain times.
Ecclesiastes 3:8: A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Contradiction with Luke 12:51
Claims Jesus came to cause division and not peace, implying that conflict can be part of His purpose.
Luke 12:51: Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Contradiction with John 2:15
Jesus makes a whip and clears the temple, indicating actions that lead to conflict can be justified.
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 James 4:7
Encourages resisting the devil, which could imply confrontation and conflict in opposing evil.
James 4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in Proverbs 17:14 could be seen as advising to avoid starting conflicts, yet other parts of the Bible sometimes depict righteous conflicts or battles as necessary or divinely sanctioned. This can seem inconsistent with the advice to steer clear of disputes entirely, leading to a potential conflict in when and how one should engage in or avoid disputes.