Contradiction with Proverbs 25:23
Proverbs 21:14 suggests that a gift can pacify anger, while Proverbs 25:23 states that a backbiting tongue can cause anger, indicating actions might provoke rather than pacify.
Proverbs 25:23: The north wind driveth away rain: so [doth] an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. [driveth...: or, bringeth forth rain: so doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance]
Paradox #1
Proverbs 21:14 suggests that giving gifts can calm anger and make problems go away. The moral conflict here is that it might encourage bribery or solving issues through material means, rather than promoting honesty, fairness, and addressing the root cause of the problem. This could be seen as inconsistent with the broader Biblical teachings on integrity and justice.