Contradiction with Proverbs 10:4
Proverbs 18:9 condemns slothfulness, but Proverbs 10:4 criticizes laziness, aligning rather than contradicting, hence showing a nuanced understanding.
Proverbs 10:4: He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:10
Proverbs 18:9 emphasizes the detriment of slackness, while Ecclesiastes 9:10 insists on doing everything with might, highlighting the contradiction in attitudes toward work.
Ecclesiastes 9:10: Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Contradiction with 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Proverbs 18:9 speaks against slackness, whereas 2 Thessalonians 3:10 insists that those who do not work should not eat, reinforcing rather than contradicting, thus creating an expectation of diligence.
2 Thessalonians 3:10: For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Contradiction with Colossians 3:23
Proverbs 18:9 condemns slackness as destructive, while Colossians 3:23 encourages working heartily, potentially contradicting only in the approach to labor.
Colossians 3:23: And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Contradiction with Matthew 25:26
Proverbs 18:9 equates slackness with destruction, whereas Matthew 25:26 in the parable of the talents calls out laziness as wicked, so both verses critique slackness but focus on differing moral consequences.
Matthew 25:26: His lord answered and said unto him, [Thou] wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Paradox #1
Proverbs 18:9 talks about the problems of being lazy. However, in some places, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of rest and taking time off. The conflict could be in balancing working hard and knowing when it's okay to rest.