Contradiction with Proverbs 15:1
This verse advocates for a gentle response, suggesting that listening to evil implies active participation, which contradicts the notion of accepting such narratives.
Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Contradiction with Ephesians 4:29
This verse encourages speech that uplifts and benefits others, contrasting with the idea of listening to wicked words or slanders.
Ephesians 4:29: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. [to...: or, to edify profitably]
Contradiction with James 1:19
This verse advises being quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, promoting patience and careful listening, rather than accepting or entertaining wicked talk.
James 1:19: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Contradiction with Philippians 4:8
This verse focuses on thinking about what is true, honest, and just, which contradicts the idea of giving attention to falsehoods or malicious gossip.
Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. [honest: or, venerable]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:33
This verse warns against being misled by evil communications, which aligns with the idea of rejecting listening to wicked falsehoods or slanders.
1 Corinthians 15:33: Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Contradiction with Psalm 1:1
This verse praises the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, contrasting with the concept of willingly listening to wicked words.
Psalm 1:1: Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [ungodly: or, wicked]
Paradox #1
Proverbs 17:4 talks about evildoers listening to deceptive lips and liars paying attention to destructive tongues. The potential contradiction or conflict here is that while it's meant to caution against harmful speech and deceit, it might imply that merely listening or paying attention to such talk aligns someone with evildoers and liars. This can be seen as inconsistent because people might inadvertently hear deceptive speech without intending to, which doesn't necessarily make them morally equivalent to those who practice deceit.