Contradiction with Isaiah 5:23
This verse contradicts Proverbs 17:15 by conveying a disapproval of justifying the wicked for a reward, similar to condemning the righteous.
Isaiah 5:23: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Contradiction with Proverbs 17:26
This verse suggests that punishing the just is not good, contradicting Proverbs 17:15's stance on condemning the righteous as abominable.
Proverbs 17:26: Also to punish the just [is] not good, [nor] to strike princes for equity.
Contradiction with Exodus 23:7
This verse opposes Proverbs 17:15 by emphasizing not to justify the wicked or slay the innocent, highlighting the importance of justice.
Exodus 23:7: Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:24
This verse contradicts Proverbs 17:15 by criticizing those who justify the wicked, stating that people will curse and detest them.
Proverbs 24:24: He that saith unto the wicked, Thou [art] righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
Paradox #1
This verse highlights the contradiction of justifying the wicked and condemning the righteous being detestable to God. Inconsistency could arise when comparing this with instances in the Bible where God shows mercy or forgiveness to sinners, as it might seem like justifying wrongdoing. But, generally, forgiveness is depicted within a framework of genuine repentance, which differs from unjust justification.
Paradox #2
Proverbs 17:15 suggests that justifying the wicked and condemning the righteous are both wrong. A contradiction might be seen if this is compared with verses where God forgives sinners or punishes the wicked, raising questions about how justice is applied. Generally, it's about balancing justice and mercy, which can seem inconsistent in practice.
Paradox #3
Proverbs 17:15 talks about justifying the wicked and condemning the righteous being detestable. A possible contradiction could be in how different societies or religious authorities have historically interpreted justice. At times, actions considered just or proper by the ruling authorities, like certain punishments or wars, might have been seen as justifying wickedness or harming the innocent by others. This could lead to debates about who is truly "wicked" or "righteous" when viewed through varying historical and cultural lenses.
Paradox #4
Proverbs 17:15 talks about the problem with saying a bad person is good or a good person is bad. A contradiction might arise if someone uses this idea to judge others harshly without understanding their situation, potentially leading to unfair treatment. However, the verse itself aims to promote fairness and justice, so any conflict might stem more from human interpretation rather than the message itself.