Contradiction with Proverbs 22:6
Proverbs 22:6 advises parents to train a child in the right way, suggesting that a child's path can be positively guided, in contrast to Proverbs 17:21, which views a foolish child as a source of sorrow without focus on prevention through upbringing.
Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. [Train...: or, Catechise] [in...: Heb. in his way]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:7
Deuteronomy 6:7 encourages diligent teaching of children, implying they can be molded positively, whereas Proverbs 17:21 highlights the inevitability of sorrow from having a foolish child.
Deuteronomy 6:7: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. [teach: Heb. whet, or, sharpen]
Contradiction with Ephesians 6:4
Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers to bring up children in discipline and instruction, suggesting influence over the child's wisdom, unlike Proverbs 17:21 which attributes sorrow solely to having a foolish child.
Ephesians 6:4: And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Contradiction with Proverbs 23:24
Proverbs 23:24 expresses joy in a wise child, focusing on the happiness brought by positive outcomes of child-rearing, which contrasts with Proverbs 17:21’s emphasis on the sorrow of having a foolish child.
Proverbs 23:24: The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise [child] shall have joy of him.
Paradox #1
This Bible verse talks about the sorrow and pain caused by having a foolish child. Some people might see a contradiction because other parts of the Bible emphasize the joy and blessing of having children, like in Psalm 127:3-5 or Proverbs 22:6, which encourages training a child in the right way. The contrast lies in the joy of having children versus the grief caused by their foolish actions, which can seem inconsistent with the positive view of children elsewhere.
Paradox #2
Proverbs 17:21 might be seen as having a conflict with teachings about unconditional love and forgiveness, such as those seen in the New Testament. While Proverbs suggests that having a foolish child is a cause of grief, other parts of the Bible emphasize love, acceptance, and forgiveness for all, including those who make mistakes. This could be seen as a tension between accepting people as they are and the idea that certain behaviors bring shame or disappointment.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict in Proverbs 17:21 could be that it suggests a direct correlation between a parent's happiness and their child's behavior, which might seem unfair or overly simplistic. Parents might feel guilty or judged for their child's actions, even when they've done their best, creating an inconsistency between societal expectations and personal circumstances.