Contradiction with Proverbs 10:2
While Proverbs 20:17 suggests that deceitful bread is sweet initially but turns to gravel, Proverbs 10:2 states that treasures of wickedness profit nothing, directly implying there is no initial sweetness or gain.
Proverbs 10:2: Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
Contradiction with Proverbs 15:6
Proverbs 15:6 indicates that in the house of the righteous is much treasure, suggesting lasting benefit from righteousness, in contrast to deceit leading eventually to ruin as stated in Proverbs 20:17.
Proverbs 15:6: In the house of the righteous [is] much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
Contradiction with Proverbs 16:8
This verse suggests a preference for a little with righteousness over great revenues without right, indicating there is no sweetness in ill-gotten gain, contrary to the initial experience mentioned in Proverbs 20:17.
Proverbs 16:8: Better [is] a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
Contradiction with Proverbs 21:6
This verse describes the getting of treasures by a lying tongue as a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death, suggesting even the initial gain is futile, contrasting with the temporary sweetness noted in Proverbs 20:17.
Proverbs 21:6: The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
Paradox #1
Proverbs 20:17 warns that dishonest gains may seem sweet at first but lead to regret. A potential theological conflict is the tension between this warning and other passages that show the temporary success of the wicked. This could seem inconsistent because some scriptures appear to suggest that dishonest people often prosper materially, at least in the short term, despite their wrongdoing. This raises questions about justice and divine retribution in the present life versus the afterlife.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in this verse could be that while it suggests enjoying something gained through deceit might feel good initially, it ultimately leads to negative consequences. This highlights a conflict between immediate gratification and long-term consequences, showing the inconsistency between short-term pleasure and moral integrity.