Contradictions and Paradoxes in Proverbs 1:7

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Proverbs 1:7 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Proverbs 1:7. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Proverbs, Solomon, people start to get really smart when they respect and listen to God. But those who don't like being told what to do and don't listen are acting like fools.

Proverbs 1:7: The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction. [the beginning: or, the principal part]

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 1:18

Proverbs 1:7 states that fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but Ecclesiastes 1:18 suggests that with much wisdom comes grief, implying that seeking knowledge can lead to sorrow, not fulfillment.

Ecclesiastes 1:18: For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:27

Proverbs 1:7 emphasizes the value of wisdom and knowledge, whereas 1 Corinthians 1:27 suggests that God chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, indicating that divine value may lie in what is deemed foolish by worldly standards.

1 Corinthians 1:27: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 3:19

Proverbs 1:7 commends the pursuit of knowledge beginning with fearing the Lord, but 1 Corinthians 3:19 states that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, potentially undermining the pursuit of worldly wisdom.

1 Corinthians 3:19: For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:16

Proverbs 1:7 advocates for the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge through the fear of the Lord, while Ecclesiastes 7:16 warns against being overly righteous or wise, which can lead to self-destruction.

Ecclesiastes 7:16: Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? [destroy...: Heb. be desolate?]

Contradiction with Matthew 11:25

Proverbs 1:7 suggests wisdom begins with fearing the Lord, but Matthew 11:25 records Jesus thanking the Father for hiding things from the wise and revealing them to babes, implying a preference for simplicity over traditional wisdom.

Matthew 11:25: At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in that verse might be the idea that fear of a higher power is necessary for wisdom. Some people might find it inconsistent with the belief that wisdom can be acquired through love, understanding, and compassion rather than fear.

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