Contradictions and Paradoxes in Proverbs 18:19

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Proverbs 18:19 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Proverbs 18:19. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to King Solomon, when a brother or friend is upset, it can be very difficult to make them happy again, just like how it’s hard to get past the strong walls of a city. Their disagreements can feel like big, strong bars that are hard to open.

Proverbs 18:19: A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city: and [their] contentions [are] like the bars of a castle.

Contradiction with Proverbs 19:11

Proverbs 19:11 emphasizes patience and overlooking transgressions, while Proverbs 18:19 suggests the difficulty of reconciliation once offended.

Proverbs 19:11: The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory to pass over a transgression. [discretion: or, prudence]

Contradiction with Matthew 5:39

Matthew 5:39 encourages turning the other cheek rather than holding onto offenses, contrasting the notion in Proverbs 18:19 of the enduring strength of a brother's offense.

Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Contradiction with Luke 17:3-4

Luke 17:3-4 emphasizes rebuking and forgiving repeatedly, suggesting reconciliation is possible, contrasting with Proverbs 18:19’s suggestion of persistent resistance.

Luke 17:3-4: Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Contradiction with Ephesians 4:32

Ephesians 4:32 speaks about kindness and forgiveness, suggesting reconciliation is achievable, in contrast to Proverbs 18:19's notion that reconciliation with an offended brother is nearly impossible.

Ephesians 4:32: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Contradiction with Colossians 3:13

Colossians 3:13 promotes forgiveness as Christ forgave, which contradicts the notion in Proverbs 18:19 that it’s challenging to reconcile with an offended brother.

Colossians 3:13: Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye. [quarrel: or, complaint]

Paradox #1

Proverbs 18:19 discusses how a person offended can be harder to win back than a strong city, highlighting the difficulty of mending relationships after conflict. The possible contradiction might be in the Bible's encouragement of forgiveness and reconciliation elsewhere, which can seem inconsistent with acknowledging the potential impossibility of repairing a breached relationship. This presents a tension between accepting some breaks as irreparable and striving for forgiveness and healing in all situations.

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